but later when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but later when" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a contrast or a change in circumstances that occurs after an initial event or statement. Example: "I was excited about the trip, but later when I heard the weather forecast, I started to worry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But later, when they were alone, she said, "It's all lies.

The New Yorker

But later, when we were discussing his decision, Kerrey sounded more hopeful.

The New York Times

But later, when he became archbishop of Buenos Aires, he changed his style, he recalled.

The New York Times

But later, when asked about possible lineup changes, Collins said, "By God, they'll be made".

The New York Times - Sports

But later when I sent him a book of Jumbles, he put it away with distaste.

The New York Times - Science

But later, when the economy slowed, hours would go by without the phone ringing.

The New York Times

But, later, when Stewart showed what he had written to various American publishers, they were unimpressed.

The New Yorker

But later, when he was alone, Kaveladze spoke to his boss again.

The Washington Post

But later, when they are alone, the Stars do have one response after they win.

The Washington Post

But later when we were driving around, Aaron seemed kind of distant.

The New York Times

But later, when he popped in a salsa tape, she balked.

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "but later when", ensure that the "when" clause clearly specifies the condition or time frame under which the subsequent event occurs. This helps maintain clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid shifting tenses within the sentence when using "but later when". Ensure that the tense in both clauses (before and after "but later when") is consistent and logical to maintain coherence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but later when" functions as a conjunction phrase, connecting two clauses where the second clause introduces a condition or specific time that affects the first clause. This phrase is used to indicate a change or realization that happens some time after an initial situation or statement. Ludwig confirms its validity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "but later when" is a common and grammatically sound conjunction phrase used to connect two clauses indicating a sequence of events where the latter is conditioned by a specific time or circumstance. As Ludwig highlights, it is frequently found in news and media sources, demonstrating its neutral register and broad applicability. When using "but later when", it's important to maintain tense consistency and clearly define the condition specified by the "when" clause. Alternatives like "but subsequently when" or "however, later when" can offer slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but subsequently when

Replaces "later" with "subsequently", indicating a following event in time.

but afterwards when

Substitutes "later" with "afterwards", focusing on the temporal sequence.

but then when

Uses "then" instead of "later" for a more concise expression of sequence.

however, later when

Adds "however" to emphasize a contrast or change in the situation at the later time.

yet later when

Emphasizes a contrast using "yet", highlighting the difference between the initial and later situation.

though later when

Expresses a contrast using "though", suggesting a condition or concession.

but at a later time when

Adds "at a later time" for more emphasis on the temporal aspect.

but after some time when

Highlights a duration of time passing before the second event.

but with time when

Focuses on the gradual change over time leading to the subsequent event.

but in due course when

Indicates that the second event occurred after a period of waiting or natural progression.

FAQs

How can I use "but later when" in a sentence?

The phrase "but later when" connects two events, where the second event happens after a period of time. For example, "He seemed happy at first, but later when he was alone, he started to cry".

What phrases are similar to "but later when"?

Similar phrases include "but subsequently when", "but afterwards when", or "however, later when", each offering slight variations in emphasis or formality.

Is "but later when" grammatically correct?

Yes, "but later when" is grammatically correct. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and frequent usage in various contexts.

What is the difference between "but later when" and "but later"?

The phrase "but later when" introduces a specific condition or time frame for the second event, while "but later" simply indicates that something happened at a later time without specifying a condition. For example, "She agreed initially, but later changed her mind" versus "She agreed initially, but later when she understood the risks, she changed her mind".