but well when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but well when" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It seems to be an incomplete thought or phrase that lacks context, making it difficult to determine its intended use. Example: "I was unsure about the plan, but well when we discussed it, everything became clearer."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

But in fact, the best revenge is not living well, but living well when everyone else is not.

Forbes

"I struggled with that but did well when I needed to.

BBC

"Choudhry seemed destined not to get a bowl but did well when he got on and there was a spirited comeback with the new ball.

BBC

The L-curve method is found to perform better than OCV or GCV, particularly for high noise levels in the operational responses, but less well when these noise levels are low.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

He did well for us as a substitute, but not so well when he started games.

The Guardian - Sport

He adored his car, but took it well when teased about its being yellow.

The New York Times

Cherry, strawberry and raspberry are perennial favorites, but lime does well when the Mormons hold their annual Hill Cumorah festival in Palmyra, 50 miles away.

The New York Times

"It is disappointing for Gethin and Samson to miss out, but Rob and Aaron did well when they came on against Ireland and we expect the same again this Saturday.

The Guardian - Sport

John Duffield, chairman of New Star Asset Management, has a reputation for being an exacting taskmaster who demands the best from his fund managers, but rewards them well when they perform.

The Guardian - Money

Fuel cell hybrid scooters provide an adequate performance on horizontal road surfaces, but perform less well when climbing slopes.

Applied Thermal Engineering

By contrast, the Copley Fund lags in bull markets with an F but holds up well when bear markets strike.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Reconsider using the phrase "but well when". It often indicates an incomplete thought. Instead, clarify the contrast and condition with more precise language.

Common error

Avoid using "but well when" to introduce a conditional statement. The vagueness of "well" can obscure the intended meaning. Replace it with specific adverbs or phrases to clarify the condition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but well when" functions as an attempted conjunction, aiming to connect contrasting ideas with a temporal condition. However, according to Ludwig AI, the phrase is not grammatically correct and does not convey a clear meaning.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but well when" is considered grammatically questionable and lacks a clear, standard meaning in English. According to Ludwig AI, it's an incomplete thought. Due to its vagueness, it is recommended to use more precise and grammatically correct alternatives, such as "but only when" or "however when", to ensure clarity and avoid confusion. While the intended purpose is to express a contrast under specific circumstances, the informality and lack of grammatical correctness make it unsuitable for formal or professional use. Given the absence of examples, it is rarely used.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but only when

Emphasizes a specific condition for something to occur, replacing the vague "well" with a limiting adverb.

but also when

Adds an additional circumstance or situation, clarifying that something happens not just in one case, but in multiple.

however, when

Introduces a contrast with a specific timing or situation, providing a clearer structure and stronger emphasis on the temporal aspect.

yet, when

Similar to "however, when", it uses "yet" to create a contrasting point related to a specific time or circumstance.

but just when

Highlights the immediacy or unexpected nature of a situation arising at a particular moment.

but right when

Indicates a specific, often opportune, moment when something occurs, replacing "well" with a more precise temporal adverb.

but then when

Suggests a sequence where an event follows a contrasting situation at a specific time, adding a narrative flow.

but even when

Emphasizes that a contrast exists, even under specific circumstances that might suggest otherwise.

but especially when

Highlights a particular circumstance where the contrast is most pronounced, adding emphasis and specificity.

but particularly when

Similar to "but especially when", it specifies a condition where the contrast is notably significant.

FAQs

What does "but well when" mean?

The phrase "but well when" is not a standard or grammatically sound construction in English. It is often perceived as incomplete and can lead to confusion. It is advisable to use more explicit and grammatically correct alternatives to ensure clarity.

What can I say instead of "but well when"?

Depending on the context, consider using alternatives like "but only when", "however when", or "but also when" to create a clearer and more grammatically correct sentence.

Is "but well when" grammatically correct?

No, "but well when" is generally considered grammatically incorrect. The inclusion of "well" in this context creates an awkward and unclear construction. A more precise conjunction or adverbial phrase is typically required.

How can I improve a sentence that includes "but well when"?

Replace "but well when" with a more specific phrase that clarifies the intended relationship between the clauses. For example, you could use "but only when" to indicate a specific condition or "however, when" to introduce a contrasting situation. Ensure the new phrase provides a clear and logical connection between the ideas.