when/ while

Lcchang
Tea was introduced to Europe in the early 1600's, ___ trade began between Europe and the Far East.

A) when (correct)
B) while
C) how
D) what

I wonder why B can't be used here. Please advise.

LC

Inchoateknowledgewhile connotes the continuation of an event

The beginning of something is not a period of time

Exactly.
This is a point in time, which is expressed by "when."

You might consider it as a relative clause, to characterise the early 1600s, but it's much better to think of it as a time clause, to say when tea was introduced.
When, not while, because the two events are interdependent. Trade began between Europe and trhe Far East and this meant the introduction of tea into Europe. If you say while, they seem simultaneous

I believe it’s an adverb clause because it described one of the following: when, how and where.

Inchoateknowledge LcchangTea was introduced to Europe in the early 1600's, ___ trade began between Europe and the Far East.A) when (correct)B) whileC) howD) whatI wonder why B can't be used here. Please advise.LCwhile is also a conjunction word used in concession clauses, but not in a way the sentence offers.

Is this a good example of what you said?:

Johnson13Is this a good example of what you said?

Johnson13: You are asking somebody who is not on the forum any longer. Note that these posts were written seven years ago.

In any case your example sentence does not have 'while' in a concession clause, though contrast is implied as much as simultaneity.

CJ