When vs. Why

Attribute	When	Why
Definition	Refers to the time or moment something happens	Refers to the reason or purpose behind something
Focus	Focuses on the timing or sequence of events	Focuses on the motivation or cause of actions
Question	Answers "At what time?" or "During what period?"	Answers "For what reason?" or "What is the purpose?"
Usage	Used to specify the time or duration of an event	Used to explain the rationale or justification for an action

Definition

When and why are two common question words in the English language. When is used to inquire about the time or moment something happened or will happen. For example, "When did you arrive?" Why, on the other hand, is used to ask for the reason or purpose behind something. For instance, "Why did you choose that restaurant?"

Usage

When is typically used to ask about specific points in time, such as dates, hours, or moments. It is often used in questions related to schedules, appointments, or events. For example, "When is the meeting scheduled?" Why, on the other hand, is used to delve into the motivations or causes behind actions or events. It is often used to seek explanations or justifications. For instance, "Why did you make that decision?"

Function

When is primarily used to pinpoint a particular time or moment in the past, present, or future. It helps establish a timeline or sequence of events. For example, "When did you start working here?" Why, on the other hand, is used to understand the rationale or purpose behind an action or decision. It seeks to uncover the underlying reasons for a particular behavior or choice. For instance, "Why did you choose to study engineering?"

Context

When is often used in contexts where time is of importance, such as planning, scheduling, or recounting events. It helps provide clarity on the timing of actions or occurrences. For example, "When is the deadline for this project?" Why, on the other hand, is used in contexts where understanding the motivation or cause behind something is crucial. It helps shed light on the reasoning behind a particular outcome or behavior. For instance, "Why did you move to a different city?"

Importance

When is important for establishing a timeline or sequence of events. It helps provide context and clarity on the timing of actions or occurrences. Understanding when something happened can be crucial for making informed decisions or drawing conclusions. Why, on the other hand, is important for gaining insights into the motivations or reasons behind actions or decisions. It helps deepen our understanding of human behavior and the factors influencing our choices.

Examples

When: "When is your birthday?" "When did you first meet her?" "When will the project be completed?" Why: "Why did you choose that career path?" "Why did you decide to move to a different country?" "Why are you interested in this particular field?"