Also 'when you see the shutters up' could equally be a time reference.
It could work that way, sure. :-D What about?Temico said:Of course, it's a time reference but is that the expected reply for the question, "When will the store open, please?" ?
Max: When do you know (if) the store is open?
Passer-by: If/When the shades are up.
Yes, in that context. But . . . and I wonder if it would work elsewhere? Good question, Temico. :up:Temico said:I see. If the "when" is replaced with a "how", the question would become:-
Max: How do you know (if) the store is open?
Passer-by: If/when the shades are up. (Am I not right?)
In other words, "when" and "how" are synonymous in the above examples.
but "When" can express "How"
Max: How do know the store is open for business?
Passer-by: When(= the time/moment) the staff return from their lunch break.
In that context, "When" refers to the occasion when, and not to a specific time, say, 8:00 a.m., right? So, the indirect relationship, "When" refers to time, therefore "How" refers to time, doesn't work. ;-)Temico said:"How" can also express "when" sometimes. See my previous example:-
Max: How do know the store is open for business?
Passer-by: When(= the time/moment) the staff return from their lunch break.
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