Here's why:
* Connects clauses: It connects a dependent clause (the part that can't stand alone) to an independent clause (the part that can stand alone).
* Shows time or condition: It expresses the idea of something happening at any time or whenever something else happens.
Example:
* Whenever I see you, I smile.
In this example:
* "Whenever I see you" is the dependent clause.
* "I smile" is the independent clause.
* "Whenever" links them together, indicating that the action of smiling happens at any time that the speaker sees the other person.