from time to time when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "from time to time when" is not correct and sounds awkward in written English.
It can be used when referring to occasional occurrences that happen at specific times, but it is better to rephrase it for clarity. Example: "I like to go hiking from time to time when the weather is nice."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Academia

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

FROM time to time, when peace with the Palestinians has looked especially distant, Israel has toyed with having another go at a making a formal peace with Syria.

The Economist

But I just show up from time to time when they tell me to show up".

The New York Times

There is a melancholy that also pops up from time to time when he speaks.

Independent

And, from time to time, when no one is looking, love and support.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This shows up very prominently in the news from time to time when people make attempts at human gene therapy.

Cornell University

The site was apparently abandoned from time to time when the climate cooled, forcing the Neanderthals back to warmer territory.

The Guardian

It's really helpful to zoom out from time to time when you're living massive events at very close quarters.

The Guardian - Books

From time to time, when you channel your famed eccentricity into your work, it still hits home.

The Guardian - Film

It's a macabre thought, but one carnivores can't help but idly wonder from time to time when eating the wide array of animals that we do.

Independent

And from time to time, when she was in the middle of spraying a bathroom mirror or tightening a sheet, a feeling came over her.

The New Yorker

"I still write stuff from time to time when I get excited or feel moved to, but none of it's really too groundbreaking or anything," he explained.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Rephrase the sentence to separate the frequency from the condition. For example, instead of "I visit from time to time when I can", write "I visit occasionally when I have time."

Common error

The phrase "from time to time when" can be redundant. Using both "from time to time" and "when" can make your writing sound awkward. Choose one or the other, or rephrase to improve clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "from time to time when" functions as an adverbial conjunction, linking occasional occurrences with specific conditions. However, it's often considered redundant and grammatically awkward. Ludwig's analysis suggests rephrasing for improved clarity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Academia

12%

Science

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "from time to time when" is frequently encountered, it is grammatically awkward and often considered redundant. Ludwig AI indicates that simpler alternatives such as "occasionally when" or rephrasing the sentence, are generally preferred for improved clarity. Although examples can be found across various sources, including news, academia, and science, it's best to use more precise language, especially in formal contexts. By avoiding this phrase, you can enhance the readability and professionalism of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

occasionally when

Replaces "from time to time" with a single adverb indicating infrequency, maintaining the conditional "when".

sometimes when

Uses "sometimes" instead of "from time to time" for a more direct expression of occasional events.

at times when

Substitutes "from time to time" with "at times" for a slightly more formal tone, keeping the conditional "when".

periodically when

Replaces "from time to time" with "periodically" to indicate regular intervals, while retaining the conditional "when".

now and then when

Uses a more informal expression, "now and then", in place of "from time to time", keeping the "when".

on occasion when

Substitutes "from time to time" with "on occasion" for a slightly more formal alternative, retaining "when".

every so often when

Replaces "from time to time" with "every so often" for a less formal, more conversational tone, keeping "when".

once in a while when

Uses the informal idiom "once in a while" instead of "from time to time", retaining the conditional "when".

when occasionally

Rearranges the phrase to emphasize the conditional "when" followed by the adverb "occasionally".

when sometimes

Rearranges the phrase to emphasize the conditional "when" followed by the adverb "sometimes".

FAQs

How can I rephrase "from time to time when" for better clarity?

Consider using alternatives like "occasionally when" or "sometimes when" to make your sentence more concise.

Is it grammatically correct to use "from time to time when"?

While frequently used, "from time to time when" can sound awkward. It's generally better to choose a simpler construction for clarity. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase isn't ideal.

What is the difference between "from time to time" and "from time to time when"?

"From time to time" indicates occasional occurrence. Adding "when" introduces a condition. Simplify by using "from time to time" and then stating the condition in a separate clause, or use "occasionally when".

Can I use "from time to time when" in formal writing?

It's best to avoid "from time to time when" in formal writing. Opt for more precise and concise alternatives like "periodically when" or rephrase to eliminate the redundancy.