Do you know when

USAGE SUMMARY

"Do you know when" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it in both formal and informal writing to ask someone if they have knowledge or information about a specific time or event. Example: "Do you know when the meeting is scheduled for tomorrow?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Do you know when you're writing your last sentence?

The New York Times

Do you know when that was.

Vice

Do you know when early voting starts?

Huffington Post

Do you know when it was made?

Huffington Post

How do you know when?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

How do you know when it's time?

The New York Times

How do you know when to relax?

The New York Times

How do you know when they're done?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

How do you know when a watermelon is ripe?

The New York Times

And how do you know when you've found it?

The New Yorker

How do you know when it's time to break up?

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "Do you know when", ensure that the context provides a clear reference to the event or time you are inquiring about. For example, "Do you know when the meeting starts?" is better than just "Do you know when?"

Common error

Avoid using "Do you know when" without specifying what you're asking about. Vague questions can lead to confusion. Always clarify the subject of your inquiry to ensure a relevant response.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Do you know when" functions as an interrogative clause, specifically used to elicit information about the timing of an event or action. It's a common way to start a question when seeking confirmation or knowledge from someone, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "Do you know when" is a grammatically sound and versatile interrogative clause used to inquire about specific timing or events. As Ludwig highlights, it's most commonly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts. While its frequency is relatively rare, understanding its proper usage—ensuring clear context and avoiding vagueness—is key. Consider alternatives like "Are you aware when" for a more formal tone. By avoiding common errors such as incomplete context, you can effectively use "Do you know when" in both conversation and writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Are you aware when

Replaces "do you know" with "are you aware", emphasizing consciousness of the timing.

Do you have any idea when

Adds "any idea" to soften the question and acknowledge potential uncertainty.

Can you tell me when

Uses "can you tell me" to make a direct request for information about timing.

Are you informed as to when

Formal alternative using "are you informed as to" instead of "do you know".

Is it known to you when

Passive voice construction shifts focus to the knowledge itself.

Do you happen to know when

Inserts "happen to" to make the inquiry less direct or demanding.

Have you been told when

Focuses on whether the person received information about the timing.

Do you recall the time when

Asks if the person remembers a specific time.

Are you in possession of the knowledge of when

A very formal and elaborate way of asking if someone knows when.

Is the timing known to you

Emphasizes whether the timing information is available to the person.

FAQs

How can I use "Do you know when" in a sentence?

Use "Do you know when" to ask if someone has information about a specific time or event. For example, "Do you know when the train arrives?"

What's a more formal way to say "Do you know when"?

A more formal alternative is "Are you aware when". For example, "Are you aware when the submission deadline is?"

What can I say instead of "Do you know when" in a casual conversation?

In a casual setting, you could say "Got any idea when?" or "Do you happen to know when?". These are less direct and more conversational.

Is it correct to say "Do you know when is it"?

No, the correct phrasing is "Do you know when it is". The word order changes in the embedded question.