Immediately when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Immediately when" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that one action occurs right after another without delay. Example: "Immediately when the clock struck midnight, the celebrations began."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Immediately when they left, the policemen started coming.

The New York Times

Immediately when you notice this... 2. Breathe.

Huffington Post

"Immediately when the wall started falling the teacher asked us to leave".

Unicef

"They usually disengage immediately when we attack.

The New York Times

Wash your hands immediately when you enter the house.

The New York Times

But he saw it immediately when he returned.

The New York Times

Encke quickened immediately when Barzalona asked him to go.

The Guardian - Sport

'I recognised her style immediately when I saw the manuscript.

The Guardian - Books

And they understand immediately when walking through a slightly darkened lobby, he said.

The New York Times

She got what she wanted and knew immediately when she had the picture she needed.

The Guardian - Arts

"I feel differently immediately when I start to put weight on," he says.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "Immediately when", ensure the sequence of events is clear and the actions described happen in rapid succession. Avoid using it when there is a noticeable delay between the two events.

Common error

Avoid using "Immediately when" if the events are not directly and closely linked in time. Using "After" or "Subsequently" might be more appropriate if there's a gap.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Immediately when" functions as a conjunction, linking two clauses to indicate that one event happens directly after another. As Ludwig AI indicates, this usage is correct and serves to establish a clear temporal relationship. Examples from Ludwig show this conjunction used in diverse contexts, such as news reports and personal narratives.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Wiki

15%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "Immediately when" functions as a conjunction to link two events that occur in close temporal proximity. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and serves to emphasize the direct sequence of events. While not extremely common, it's present across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and formal business writing. When using "Immediately when", ensure the context clearly supports the immediate succession of events to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "as soon as" or "right after" for different stylistic effects.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

As soon as

This alternative provides a direct and simple substitution, emphasizing the temporal connection.

Right after

This alternative uses a more informal tone while maintaining the immediacy.

The instant that

This alternative adds a sense of urgency and precision.

The moment that

This alternative emphasizes the very short time frame between events.

Upon

This option is more formal and concise, suitable for specific contexts.

Directly following

This is a more formal and descriptive substitute, suitable for professional contexts.

Instantaneously when

This alternative emphasizes the speed and lack of delay.

Promptly when

This alternative highlights the speed and lack of delay.

Without delay when

This alternative explicitly states the absence of any waiting time.

On the heels of

This is a more idiomatic expression to convey immediate succession.

FAQs

How can I use "Immediately when" in a sentence?

"Immediately when" is used to connect two events that happen in quick succession. For example, "Immediately when the door opened, everyone turned to look" shows that the action of the door opening directly caused people to turn.

Are there alternatives to using "Immediately when"?

Yes, some alternatives include "as soon as", "right after", or "the moment that". These phrases can replace "Immediately when" depending on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is "Immediately when" considered formal or informal?

The phrase "Immediately when" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives like "upon" or "directly following" might be preferred in highly formal writing.

Is it grammatically correct to use "Immediately when"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. However, ensure that the sentence structure clearly indicates that the second event happens directly and without delay after the first. Misuse can lead to confusion, so use it carefully.