When to use "when"

Question

I've been told not to use the word "when" when providing examples. Such as in the following sentence.

A C-section is imperative in circumstances in which, for example, it is apparent the life of the mother or baby are at risk, including situations when the mother is bleeding heavily (hermorrhage) or the baby's oxygen supply is blocked.

Avangi · Accepted Answer

I would not use "when" in the example you quote.

BarbaraPA · Answer

It sounds okay to me. Your other choice is to repeat "in which" which is awkward stylistically.

What's your objection, A?

Avangi · Answer

You've got me, GG. I can't explain it.

I'm okay with, "A C-section is imperative when the mother is bleeding heavily," but I don't like "in a case when. . . . . ," or "in a situation when. . . . "
I'm not suggesting it's ungrammatical.

Best wishes, - A.

BarbaraPA · Answer

You're right. Removing the word "situations" would make it better.

Dave Phillips · Answer

AnonymousI've been told not to use the word "when" when providing examples. Such as in the following sentence.

A C-section is imperative in circumstances in which, for example, it is apparent the life of the mother or baby are at risk, including situations when the mother is bleeding heavily (hermorrhage) or the baby's oxygen supply is blocked.

I agree with the other posts here, but should I want to write the same words as you and just change when, I would use where.

Avangi · Answer

I just saw this example in another original post: there are some songs when they sing 'I are'

I think this is a case in which "when" doesn't work very well.

When to use "when"

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