after when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "after when" is not correct and is generally not usable in written English.
It is redundant because "after" and "when" convey similar meanings regarding time. Example: "I will call you after when I finish my meeting."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Hookups may be fine for college students, but what about after, when they start to build an adult life?

The New York Times

There certainly wasn't soon after when he scored that goal.

Independent

I was called in immediately after, when Davie left.

The Guardian - Sport

"That's only after when people are talking about it.

The Guardian - Sport

But they fell soon after when the bank stocks retreated.

The New York Times

"After, when you know everything, that's when you can do whatever you want".

The New York Times - Arts

She and Mr. Romney married shortly after, when she was 19.

The New York Times

Your interest deepens soon after, when Lily's abusive father fires Chico for breaking some dishes.

The New York Times

Zoë came to live with them soon after, when she was ten.

The New Yorker

But then it's not excitement that people are after when they log on.

The Economist

After, when we stepped into the darkening night, I felt a rush.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "after when" in formal writing. Replace it with "after" or "when" depending on the context for clarity and grammatical correctness.

Common error

Using "after when" creates a redundant phrase, as both words indicate time. Choose either "after" or "when" to avoid this common error. For instance, instead of "Call me after when you arrive", say "Call me after you arrive" or "Call me when you arrive".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "after when" functions as a temporal conjunction, attempting to specify the timing of an event in relation to another. However, Ludwig AI indicates it's grammatically incorrect. The examples show its use in various contexts, though often replaced by more standard constructions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "after when" is a grammatically questionable construction frequently encountered in writing. Despite its prevalence across diverse sources like The New York Times, The Guardian, and BBC, Ludwig AI flags it as incorrect due to its redundancy. Both "after" and "when" serve similar temporal functions, making their combination awkward and unnecessary. To enhance clarity and grammatical precision, replace "after when" with alternatives such as "afterward", "subsequently", or simply "when", ensuring your writing remains polished and professional.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

immediately after

This phrase stresses that the second event occurs without delay after the first.

shortly after

Indicates that the second event takes place soon after the first, but not necessarily immediately.

afterward

This single word replaces the two-word phrase with a concise adverb indicating a subsequent time.

subsequently

Similar to 'afterward', this adverb denotes a later time or event, often in a more formal context.

later on

This phrase is a more casual way to indicate that something happens at a time in the future relative to something else.

following that

A more formal phrase indicating sequence, often used to connect events in a narrative or process.

once

This conjunction introduces a condition that, when met, leads to a subsequent event or state.

as soon as

This conjunction emphasizes the immediacy of the second event following the first.

the moment that

Highlights the close temporal proximity between two events, suggesting they occur almost simultaneously.

in the aftermath

Focuses on the period that follows a significant event, often implying consequences or changes.

FAQs

Why is "after when" considered grammatically incorrect?

The phrase "after when" is redundant because both words serve to indicate a temporal relationship. Using them together doesn't add meaning and creates an awkward construction. It's better to use either "after" or "when" depending on the intended meaning.

What are some alternatives to "after when"?

Depending on the context, you can replace "after when" with single words like "afterward" or "subsequently". Alternatively, use phrases such as "immediately after" or simply "when".

Is it ever appropriate to use the phrase "after when"?

While you might encounter "after when" in informal speech, it is generally not considered appropriate in formal writing or professional communication. It is always best to use more grammatically correct alternatives.

How does using "after when" affect the clarity of writing?

Using "after when" can make your writing sound less clear and professional because it introduces redundancy. Replacing it with a single, more precise word or phrase will improve the overall readability and impact of your message.