how about when

USAGE SUMMARY

"How about when" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to suggest a particular time or period as in "How about when we go on vacation next summer?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

How about when they're born?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

How about when I'm someone's mum?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

How about when he was a child?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

How about When I Rule the World?

The Guardian - Music

How about when you need the toilet?

The Guardian

But how about when they talk back?

The Guardian - Tech

But how about when you pick up tourists?

The Guardian

Or how about when she dropped by Antiques Roadshow?

Princeton University

"Not specifically". How about when the water might be removed?

The Washington Post

How about when I go out to eat after work?

The Washington Post

How about when it is making day-to-day decisions?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "how about when" to introduce a suggestion or a question about a specific time or event. It's particularly effective in conversational contexts when brainstorming or making plans.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "how about when" is generally considered informal. In professional or academic writing, opt for more formal alternatives such as "considering the scenario when" or "have you thought about when" to maintain a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "how about when" functions as an introductory phrase used to suggest a particular time or event for consideration. It is commonly used in spoken English, as verified by Ludwig, to introduce a suggestion or question.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

18%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "how about when" is a grammatically sound and widely used introductory phrase for suggesting a particular time or event. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across diverse contexts, although its informality might make it less suited for formal or academic writing. While frequently appearing in "News & Media", consider opting for more formal alternatives like "considering the scenario when" in professional communications. Its primary function is to prompt discussion or planning around specific times, making it a valuable tool for conversational English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what about when

Replaces "how" with "what", offering a slightly more direct alternative.

have you thought about when

Directly asks if someone has considered a particular time or event.

instead, what if it's when

Proposes a different time or condition than what was previously mentioned.

what if we think about the moment when

Introduces a hypothetical consideration of a particular moment.

alternatively, when might we

Offers an alternative time or occasion for something to occur.

suppose we consider the time when

More formal and elaborate, focusing on considering a specific point in time.

considering the scenario when

More formal, presenting a hypothetical situation for consideration.

taking into account the time when

Focuses on the importance of considering a specific time.

let's say the situation is when

Sets up a hypothetical situation for discussion or planning.

if we were to look at the point when

Hypothetical and analytical, suggesting a deeper examination.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "how about when" for formal contexts?

In formal writing, you can substitute "how about when" with phrases like "considering the scenario when" or "taking into account the time when" to maintain a professional tone.

What is a more direct way to ask about timing instead of "how about when"?

If you want to be more direct, consider using "when should we" or "what time are we", depending on the specific context of your question.

Is "how about when" appropriate for professional communication?

While understandable, "how about when" might sound too casual in professional settings. Alternatives such as "would it be possible to" or "could we consider" are often more suitable.

What's the difference between "how about when" and "what about when"?

The phrases "how about when" and "what about when" are largely interchangeable. "What about when" may come across as slightly more direct, but both serve to introduce a suggestion or question about a specific time or event.