it is so when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is so when" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward or unclear.
It could be used in contexts where you want to indicate a condition or situation that is true under specific circumstances. Example: "It is so when the conditions are met that we can proceed with the project."

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

I HAD heard Spadaro was a small restaurant (and with only 38 seats, it is), so when we got stuck in traffic and were late for a Saturday reservation, I called with some trepidation.

The New York Times

But I know it is so when I see winter pansies, who most certainly smile.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

It was so when John F. Kennedy ran for president, and it is so for Mitt Romney.

The New York Times

Although the concept of a gift may not at first seem to fit well with free-market capitalism, it might be so when it is thought of in the context of collaborating with others to build common commodity-like infrastructure.

Innovation Happens Elsewhere Open Source as Business Strategy

Therefore, (35) is not necessarily worse than (21), though it will be so when source correlation is high.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

It is so heartening when people drop in their cash".

Independent

It is so depressing when you look at the Conservatives.

The Guardian

It is so satisfying when you see how it has changed people's lives.

The Guardian

That is why it is so impressive when teams do repeat as NFL champions.

The Guardian - Sport

And it is so lovely when a man gives you a compliment.

The Guardian

"It is so satisfying when you hit that ball – and sweet.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is so when" sparingly, primarily in informal contexts or when aiming for a specific stylistic effect. Overuse can make your writing sound stilted or unnatural.

Common error

Avoid using "it is so when" in academic papers, business reports, or other professional documents. Opt for more direct and formal alternatives to maintain a polished and credible tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is so when" functions as a conditional connector, indicating that a certain state or condition is valid or true under specific circumstances. As pointed out by Ludwig AI, the phrase isn't very frequent in written English and could be deemed awkward or unclear.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is so when" functions as a conditional connector, indicating that a statement is true under specific conditions. While grammatically acceptable, Ludwig AI notes that it can sound awkward, and as such, it is more fitting for informal contexts. More formal alternatives like "it is true when" or "this applies when" are often preferable. The usage analysis reveals that it appears more frequently in news and media, with less common usage in formal business or academic settings. Therefore, consider the context and audience when deciding whether to use this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is true when

Replaces "so" with "true" to emphasize the veracity of a statement under certain conditions.

it is the case when

Uses "the case" instead of "so" for a slightly more formal tone.

it holds true when

Emphasizes the validity or applicability of a statement under specific conditions.

it applies when

Focuses on the applicability of a rule or principle under certain circumstances.

it is valid when

Indicates that something is legitimate or correct under specific circumstances.

it is right when

Emphasizes the correctness of an action or decision under certain conditions.

it is appropriate when

Highlights the suitability of something under specific circumstances.

it is accurate when

Focuses on the factual correctness of a statement under specific conditions.

it's like that when

An informal way of expressing a typical or expected situation under certain conditions.

that's how it is when

A colloquial expression indicating acceptance of a situation under specific conditions.

FAQs

What does "it is so when" mean?

The phrase "it is so when" indicates that a statement or condition holds true under specific circumstances. It's a way of expressing conditionality.

What are some alternatives to "it is so when"?

Alternatives include "it is true when", "it is the case when", or "it applies when", which may offer greater clarity and conciseness.

Is "it is so when" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it is so when" is grammatically acceptable, but it can sound somewhat awkward or old-fashioned in modern English. Consider using more common and direct alternatives for better clarity.

In what contexts is "it is so when" most appropriate?

The phrase might be suitable in informal conversation or creative writing where a slightly unusual or stylized tone is desired. However, it's generally best to avoid it in formal or professional writing.