as when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as when" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to draw a comparison or to indicate a specific time or situation that is similar to another. Example: "She felt a sense of nostalgia, as when she used to visit her grandmother's house every summer."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The relative degree of immunostaining was recorded as when less than 20% of cells were positive, as when 20 50% of cells were positive and as when over 50% of cells were positive.

British Journal of Cancer

As when a breeze.

The New Yorker

Such as when Jude says: "Bridget.

Independent

"I'm in here the same as when I was home.

The New York Times - Sports

Williams watched as much tape as when he played.

The New York Times - Sports

"This is as relevant today as when it was founded".

Independent

Feeling the same as when I'd left Amundsen.

The New Yorker

Allen is never so interesting as when he's quoting others.

The New York Times - Books

He's just the same as when we started together".

The New Yorker

— the same ones as when they think about other people.

The New York Times

It's not the same as when I started out".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as when" to draw parallels between two situations or timeframes to enhance clarity and provide relatable context for your reader.

Common error

Avoid overusing "as when" in overly complex sentences, as it can sometimes make the sentence convoluted. In such cases, breaking down the sentence or using a simpler comparison might improve readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as when" functions as a subordinating conjunction, introducing a clause that provides a comparison or specifies a circumstance similar to the main clause. It establishes a parallel between two events or states.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

39%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as when" serves as a subordinating conjunction, primarily used to draw comparisons between situations or timeframes. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It's most frequently found in News & Media and Science contexts. While versatile, it should be used judiciously in complex sentences to maintain clarity. For alternative phrasing, consider options "like when" or "just as", ensuring they align with the intended meaning. Mastering the use of "as when" can enrich your writing by providing relatable context and enhancing reader comprehension.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

like when

Simple substitution that directly equates two scenarios.

just as

Emphasizes the parallel nature of two occurrences.

similar to when

Highlights the resemblance between two specific times.

such as when

Indicates an example that illustrates a broader rule or statement.

in the same way as when

Draws a more elaborate comparison between situations.

as in the case when

Formal alternative to show similarity through an exemplary situation.

as it does when

Implies a recurrent event or condition when something else occurs.

as occurs when

More formal structure to introduce a common situation

akin to when

Expresses a likeness but can sound more literary or archaic

corresponding to when

Highlights the chronological or logical matching of two scenarios.

FAQs

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

Use "as when" to compare a current situation to a similar one, helping your audience understand a concept through relatable context. For example, "He felt a sense of accomplishment, as when he completed his first marathon."

What can I say instead of "as when"?

You can use alternatives like "like when", "just as", or "similar to when" depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "as when" in formal writing?

Yes, "as when" is acceptable in formal writing, especially when drawing comparisons or illustrating a point. However, ensure the phrasing doesn't sound too colloquial for the intended audience.

What's the difference between "as when" and "such as when"?

"Such as when" is used to introduce an example that illustrates a broader rule or statement, while "as when" simply draws a direct comparison between two similar situations. Therefore, "such as when" is more specific to exemplary cases.