right when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "right when" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to express simultaneity in time. For example: "We arrived at the restaurant right when it started to rain."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"I slipped right when I broke.

The New York Times - Sports

"All right, when I was a teenager".

The New York Times - Arts

It sounds right when you say it.

The New Yorker

It's right when the gunshot goes off.

Independent

She's been right when it matters.

The New York Times

I want my hands to be right when I serve.

The Economist

"Not everything goes right when you send your children abroad".

The New York Times

You are right when you say we always demanded options.

The New York Times

You start skiing right when the mountain opens.

The New York Times - Travel

Oh, and Yellen was right when they were wrong.

The New York Times

Achatz is right when he says, "Flavor is memory".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "right when" to clearly indicate the immediate timing or simultaneity of two events. This helps create a sense of immediacy and precision in your writing.

Common error

While "right when" is useful, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your sentence structure with alternatives like "as soon as" or "immediately when" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "right when" functions as an adverbial clause, indicating the timing of an event. As Ludwig AI confirms, it expresses simultaneity in time. It connects two events, showing that they occur at the same time or in immediate succession.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Wiki

23%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "right when" is a versatile phrase used to denote the simultaneity or immediate succession of events. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It is commonly found in news and media, as well as wiki content, and less so in formal or scientific writing. To avoid redundancy, consider using alternatives like "as soon as" or "immediately when". By understanding its function and appropriate contexts, you can effectively use "right when" to add precision and immediacy to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

immediately when

Emphasizes the immediate succession of events, similar to "right when" but with a stronger sense of urgency.

the instant that

Highlights the precise moment something occurs, akin to "right when" in its exactness.

as soon as

Indicates that something happens without delay after another event, mirroring the timing aspect of "right when".

the moment that

Specifies the exact timing of an event, closely related to "right when" in indicating a precise moment.

just as

Describes events happening concurrently, much like "right when" in conveying simultaneity.

exactly when

Stresses the accuracy of the timing, similar to "right when" in pinpointing a precise moment.

upon

Indicates that something occurs immediately after another event, in a more formal register.

the minute that

Emphasizes the short time interval, much like "right when" but focusing on brevity.

at the point that

Highlights a specific juncture in time, similar to "right when" in specifying timing.

while

Indicates that events occur at the same time.

FAQs

How can I use "right when" in a sentence?

Use "right when" to connect two events that happen simultaneously or in immediate succession. For example: "The phone rang "right when" I sat down to eat dinner."

What are some alternatives to "right when"?

You can use alternatives like "as soon as", "immediately when", or "the instant that" to convey a similar meaning. For example, instead of "The movie started "right when" we arrived", you could say "The movie started "as soon as" we arrived."

Is there a difference between "right when" and "just when"?

"Right when" emphasizes the immediate timing of an event, while "just when" can sometimes imply an unexpected or coincidental occurrence. Although very similar, ""right when"" focuses on the timing.

Can I use "right when" in formal writing?

While ""right when"" is grammatically correct, it may be considered slightly informal. In formal contexts, consider using "immediately when" or "the instant that" for a more polished tone.