Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[syoshioka99]

It was getting a little cooler (as/when) evening approached.


According to the key, "as" is the right answer. But why not "when"?

Can you explain why "when" is not used in this sentence?

What is the difference between "when" and "as"?

sy

[MauraS]

With 'as' it means the two actions were happening at the same time.

When is possibly grammatically but in this case it sounds weird, mostly because of "evening approached." It is a gradual action. Evening doesn't approach at an exact moment.

I will give you an example of when 'when' is ok.
"It was getting a little cooler when the phone rang." The phone ringing is a short action.

[syoshioka99]

Thank U.

sy