not just when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not just when" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something applies in multiple situations, not limited to a specific time or condition. Example: "I believe in supporting my friends not just when they are in need, but also during their successes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not just when I was a girl.

The New York Times - Arts

"And not just when I was twenty-five.

The New Yorker

And not just when throwing chairs.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"It's not just when I fall," Chiney said.

The New York Times - Sports

And not just when the summer sun shines.

The New York Times - Health

Tiny crow's-feet, and not just when she smiled.

The New York Times - Books

And not just when it comes to recruitment.

The Guardian

Sometimes he oversteps the mark – and not just when bowling.

The Guardian - Sport

Zinc builds up the immune system over years, not just when you have a cold.

Harvard University

It is not just when the Legislature is in session every two years.

The New York Times

But inadequate locks delay ships not just when they break, but by their design.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not just when" to broaden the scope of a statement, indicating that a condition or action applies beyond a specific moment or circumstance. This adds depth and nuance to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "not just when" too frequently in your writing. Overuse can make your prose sound repetitive and less impactful. Vary your sentence structure and use alternative phrases to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not just when" functions as a conjunctive phrase introducing an additional condition or time frame beyond the one initially stated. Ludwig shows its versatility across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Wiki

12%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not just when" is a versatile and frequently used phrase that broadens the scope of a statement beyond a specific time or condition. As Ludwig highlights, it functions as a conjunctive phrase and maintains a neutral register, suitable for various writing contexts. While grammatically correct and widely accepted, as also confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's important to avoid overuse and consider simpler constructions when appropriate. By understanding its function and purpose, writers can effectively use "not just when" to add depth and nuance to their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not only when

Replaces 'just' with 'only', emphasizing that it's not the sole circumstance.

not merely when

Substitutes 'just' with 'merely', suggesting that it's more than a simple time.

not simply when

Replaces 'just' with 'simply', implying a lack of complexity in the timing.

not exclusively when

Replaces 'just' with 'exclusively', showing it's not the only time this occurs.

not solely when

Uses 'solely' instead of 'just', meaning that something happens at other times too.

also when

A more concise way to indicate additional times or situations.

as well as when

Indicates that something occurs at other times or in other situations in addition to a specific time.

in addition to when

A more formal way to express that something happens not only at a certain time.

beyond just when

Emphasizes that something extends beyond a specific time or circumstance.

apart from when

Suggests that something occurs at times other than a particular moment.

FAQs

How can I use "not just when" in a sentence?

Use "not just when" to show that something is true or applicable in more situations than one. For example, "Kindness is important not just when things are easy, but also when they are difficult."

What are some alternatives to "not just when"?

You can use alternatives like "not only when", "not merely when", or "also when" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it ever incorrect to use "not just when"?

While grammatically correct, "not just when" might sound awkward if a simpler construction would suffice. Make sure it adds value by explicitly contrasting situations. For example, instead of "You should be polite not just when meeting new people", consider "Always be polite".

What's the difference between "not just when" and "only when"?

"Not just when" implies that something is true in other circumstances besides the one mentioned, while "only when" indicates that something is true exclusively in the specified circumstance. The first expands, the second restricts.