When Modifiers

[shivani.magan]

Rising inventories, when unaccompanied correspondingly by increases in sales, can lead to production cutbacks that would hamper economic growth.

(A) when unaccompanied correspondingly by increases in sales, can lead
(B) when not accompanied by corresponding increases in sales, possibly leads
(C) when they were unaccompanied by corresponding sales increases, can lead
(D) if not accompanied by correspondingly increased sales, possibly leads
(E) if not accompanied by corresponding increases in sales, can lead

I understand that the OA is E? But i want to know the use of when modifier in A, B,C , is the use of when here wrong? In general when do we use the when modifiers . Can someone give examples of correct usage of when modifiers?

[chris@magoosh]

Great question! The difference between 'when' and 'if' is a subtle one. Indeed, in many cases the two are interchangeable. Let's have a look:


'If' and 'When' are interchangeable if the outcome is clear.

When John runs 5 miles, he sweats.

If John runs 5 miles, he sweats.

John's sweating is definite. No matter what, he will sweat if/when he runs 5 miles. Thus the outcome is clear and we can use either 'when' or 'if.'

'If' and 'When' are NOT interchangeable if the outcome is not clear. That is we are dealing with the Conditional Tense. Then we want 'if.'

It's hot outside, so John may sweat, if he runs one miles. CORRECT

It's hot outside, so John may sweat, when he runs one mile. INCORRECT


In the question above, we have an outcome that is not definite: inventories...can lead.

Therefore, we want 'if' not 'when.' Because we have inventories, (D) is incorrect (...leads).

Hope that helps .

[nafiul9090]

Great question! The difference between 'when' and 'if' is a subtle one. Indeed, in many cases the two are interchangeable. Let's have a look:


'If' and 'When' are interchangeable if the outcome is clear.

When John runs 5 miles, he sweats.

If John runs 5 miles, he sweats.

John's sweating is definite. No matter what, he will sweat if/when he runs 5 miles. Thus the outcome is clear and we can use either 'when' or 'if.'

'If' and 'When' are NOT interchangeable if the outcome is not clear. That is we are dealing with the Conditional Tense. Then we want 'if.'

It's hot outside, so John may sweat, if he runs one miles. CORRECT

It's hot outside, so John may sweat, when he runs one mile. INCORRECT


In the question above, we have an outcome that is not definite: inventories...can lead.

Therefore, we want 'if' not 'when.' Because we have inventories, (D) is incorrect (...leads).

Hope that helps .

hi Chris i am a bit weak at gerund topic. why "rising" is not the subject here??? please shed some light on this topic. for example, Drinking tea is good for health. watching movies a lot helps to understand the character...here the subjects are "drinking tea" and "watching movies" right.

thanks in advance