whenever
gb/wɛnˈɛvɚ/ us/wɛnˈɛvɚ/
A2
English
~ 2600
Senses
0 senses
conjunction
A2
relation
1
At any time that something happens
Used to say that something happens at any time another thing happens.
Usage pattern:
whenever [something] happens, [something else] happens
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'whenever' with 'when'. 'Whenever' means 'at any time that', while 'when' refers to a specific time.
Synonyms
anytime (Less formal, often used interchangeably in casual speech.)
|
every time (Emphasizes that it happens on each occasion without exception.)
Antonyms
never when (Indicates that something does not occur at the same time as another thing.)
Collocations
whenever possible
|whenever necessary
|whenever you like
|whenever it happens
Themes
time
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Whenever I see her, she’s smiling.
- You can call me whenever you need help.
- Whenever it rains, the streets get flooded.
- He gets nervous whenever he has to speak in public.
Learner examples
- I drink tea whenever I am tired.
- Whenever it is cold, I wear a coat.
- She smiles whenever she sees a dog.
- You can come whenever you want.
conjunction
A2
relation
2
Every time something happens
Used to say something happens each time another thing happens.
Usage pattern:
whenever [subject] [verb], [result]
Common mistake:
Learners may overuse 'whenever' when they mean 'when' for one-time events.
Synonyms
each time (More formal or precise than 'whenever'.)
Antonyms
rarely when (Indicates infrequent occurrence instead of every time.)
Collocations
whenever he calls
|whenever they meet
|whenever trouble arises
Themes
time
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Whenever I travel, I bring my camera.
- The dog barks whenever someone walks by.
- She feels happy whenever she listens to that song.
Learner examples
- I smile whenever I see my friends.
- Whenever I eat too much, I feel sick.
- The baby cries whenever he is hungry.
conjunction
A2
relation
3
No matter what time something happens
Used to say the time something happens is not important.
Usage pattern:
whenever [subject] [verb], [statement]
Synonyms
at any time (Broader in meaning, not limited to events happening together.)
Antonyms
only when (Limits the occurrence to a specific time.)
Collocations
whenever you arrive
|whenever you’re ready
Themes
time
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- You can visit me whenever you want.
- Come over whenever it’s convenient for you.
- I’m available to talk whenever you have a moment.
Learner examples
- Call me whenever you are free.
- You can eat whenever you are hungry.
- I can help you whenever you need help.
Grammar
Dictionary form
whenever
IPA
GB/wɛnˈɛvɚ/
US/wɛnˈɛvɚ/
Syllables & stress
whenev - er (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (er)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: whenever
- Plural: whenevers
Word family
Expressions
whenever necessary
1/wɛnˈɛvɚ nˈɛsɪsˌɛɹi/
fixed phrase
If needed at any moment
Do something if it is needed at any time.
Examples
- You may contact me whenever necessary.
- The doctor visits the patient whenever necessary.
whenever possible
1/wɛnˈɛvɚ pˈɑsəbəl/
fixed phrase
If it can be done at any possible time
If it can be done, do it at any time it is possible.
Examples
- We try to use local products whenever possible.
- Drink water instead of soda whenever possible.
whenever you like
1/wɛnˈɛvɚ jˈu lˈaɪk/
fixed phrase
Any time you want
At any time you want or choose.
Examples
- You can start the project whenever you like.
- Come and see us whenever you like.