at times when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'at times when' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to specific instances or occasions when something happens or is the case. Example sentence: At times when I feel overwhelmed, I take a break and do something calming.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

At times when the north winds freshen.

The New Yorker

So at times when I felt weak, at times when I felt discomfort, at times when I searched and questioned, "Why am I doing this?

University of California, Berkeley

"We offloaded at times when we shouldn't have done.

Independent

In fact, the Knicks have thrived at times when injured.

The New York Times - Sports

This notion can get lost at times when doing these practices in solitude.

University of California, Berkeley

Sections will be scheduled after the start of term at times when all students can attend.

Stanford University

Or, downsizing was used only at times when the economy was exceptionally bleak.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Thus, at times when profits are high, the amounts reinvested are greater and dividends are smaller.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Gasquet is playing well, but has been known to pull disappearing acts at times when behind.

The New York Times

Aside from decent ball movement at times when double-teamed, he was largely ineffective.

The New York Times - Sports

At times, when the "seas were rough", he said that "the Lord seemed to sleep".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at times when" to introduce a clause that describes specific moments or situations in which something occurs. This helps to provide context and clarity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "at times when" with vague or undefined time references. Be specific about the conditions or situations to provide a clear understanding for the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at times when" functions as a conjunction introducing a subordinate clause of time or condition. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used to specify particular moments or situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Academia

24%

Science

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at times when" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that introduces subordinate clauses specifying particular moments or circumstances. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and commonly employed across diverse contexts, including news, academia, and scientific writing. While versatile, clarity is key: ensure specific time references to avoid vagueness. Consider alternatives like "occasionally when" or "in instances where" for nuanced expression. This phrase is particularly effective for providing context and explaining conditions affecting behavior or outcomes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

occasionally when

Replaces "at times" with "occasionally", emphasizing the infrequent nature of the event.

sometimes when

Replaces "at times" with "sometimes", suggesting that the event happens periodically.

during periods when

Uses a more formal tone by specifying "during periods", indicating duration.

in instances where

Replaces "at times when" with a more formal construction emphasizing specific situations.

on occasions when

Substitutes "at times" with "on occasions", highlighting specific instances.

when there are times

Reorders the phrase to emphasize the existence of specific moments.

in moments when

Emphasizes the brevity of the situation using "in moments".

under circumstances where

Provides a more formal alternative, focusing on the conditions.

depending on when

Highlights the conditional aspect of the timing.

when the situation is

Focuses on the state of affairs that triggers the event.

FAQs

How can I use "at times when" in a sentence?

You can use "at times when" to introduce a dependent clause that specifies the conditions or circumstances under which something happens. For example, "I feel most creative "at times when" I'm surrounded by nature".

What are some alternatives to "at times when"?

Alternatives include phrases like "occasionally when", "sometimes when", or "in instances where", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "at times when" and "sometimes when"?

While both phrases indicate that something happens occasionally, "at times when" can suggest a broader range of circumstances, whereas "sometimes when" simply indicates periodic occurrences.

When is it appropriate to use "at times when" in formal writing?

While generally suitable, for highly formal contexts, consider alternatives like "during periods when" or "under circumstances where" for enhanced precision and sophistication.