for times when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for times when" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which something applies, especially one that occurs intermittently or occasionally. For example: "We have a policy for times when the office is closed due to inclement weather."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Why right words for times when I'm sew smart?

The New York Times

Perhaps the excess could be stored for times when there's a blame shortage.

The New Yorker

The now ubiquitous shutters were added for times when the sun became too strong.

The Washington Post

Better to save it for times when it is truly called for.

The New York Times

For camping, or for times when there is no soap and water, it's fine.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Karen searched her college memories for times when she had been wronged.

The New Yorker

(The social media tool SocialOomph helps him schedule posts for times when he's supposed to be working or sleeping).

The New York Times - Arts

Better still is the search box, for times when you can remember a key word, like "deadlift".

The New York Times - Tech

Plan ahead for times when your finances will face an extra burden, such as Christmas, birthdays or holidays.

The Guardian - Money

On a good week that earns her £300, but for times when cover is not required she receives nothing.

The Guardian - Money

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Make sure that you have a pipeline to your mentor--and a support structure--for times when you need it.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "for times when" to clearly introduce scenarios or conditions where a particular action or preparation is relevant. For example, "Keep a first-aid kit handy for times when minor injuries occur."

Common error

Refrain from using overly verbose phrasing. Instead of saying "for the times when it is necessary", simply use "for times when necessary" to maintain conciseness and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for times when" functions as an adverbial phrase, introducing circumstances or conditions under which a particular action or state is relevant. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "for times when" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to introduce conditional scenarios or situations. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is widely applicable across various contexts, including news, academic writing, and general conversation. While alternatives like "in situations where" or "on occasions when" exist, "for times when" offers a clear and concise way to specify relevant conditions. Its frequency and consistent usage underscore its reliability in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in situations where

Emphasizes specific scenarios or circumstances.

in circumstances where

Similar to "in situations where" but may imply a broader scope.

when the situation arises

Focuses on the occurrence of a particular event.

for moments when

Highlights brief periods or instances.

when faced with

Focuses on confronting a specific challenge or situation.

on occasions when

Suggests less frequent or formal instances.

under conditions of

Implies specific prerequisites or environmental factors.

in cases where

Suggests specific legal or procedural contexts.

during periods of

Implies a longer duration or span of time.

for instances of

Highlights particular occurrences or examples.

FAQs

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

Use "for times when" to specify conditions or situations. For instance, "I always keep a spare umbrella "for times when" it rains unexpectedly."

What are some alternatives to "for times when"?

You can use alternatives like "in situations where", "when the situation arises", or "on occasions when" depending on the context.

Is "for times when" formal or informal?

"For times when" is generally suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though more formal options like "in circumstances where" may be preferred in academic or professional writing.

What's the difference between "for times when" and "in cases where"?

"For times when" is a general phrase applicable to various situations, while "in cases where" is more specifically used to refer to particular legal or procedural instances.