situations when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "situations when" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe specific circumstances or conditions under which something occurs or is applicable. Example: "There are several situations when teamwork is essential for success in a project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But there are situations when what you need is teleportation.

The Guardian - Books

"You know that situations when Bonds comes up he's dangerous.

The New York Times - Sports

I've had a lot of strange situations when traveling.

The New York Times

In these situations, when his mind was disturbed, he often went looking to make a trade.

The New York Times - Magazine

"It is typical of these situations when things are going well at the beginning," he said.

The Guardian

"In situations when I was being bathed," she says, "I pictured myself being at a spa.

The Guardian

He also said there had been situations when accidents were narrowly avoided.

The New York Times

Still, there are situations when one spouse, in effect, is a tax shelter for the other.

The New York Times

This decision refers to situations when there are no alternatives for medical treatment, Dr Sukor said.

The Guardian

Another group repeated verbal plans for specific situations ("when I see fruit, I will … ").

The Guardian - Opinion

Are there situations when majorities are too slight to set some policies?

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "situations when", ensure the "when" clause clearly specifies the condition or time frame under which the situation applies. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid mixing tenses within the "when" clause. For example, instead of saying "situations when the problem will arise and was not addressed", use consistent tense: "situations when the problem arises and is not addressed".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "situations when" functions as an adverbial clause of time or condition, modifying the main clause by specifying when or under what circumstances the action or state described in the main clause occurs. Ludwig examples confirm its role in providing context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

38%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "situations when" is a versatile phrase used to introduce specific conditions or timeframes under which a particular event or action occurs. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently employed across various contexts, including news, scientific research, and general writing. To enhance clarity, ensure that the "when" clause provides clear, unambiguous conditions. Although widely accepted, alternatives like "instances where" or "circumstances in which" can offer nuanced variations. Be mindful of tense consistency and consider the specific context to maintain grammatical correctness and effective communication. Using Ludwig's examples, you can ensure proper usage and context-specific application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

instances where

Replaces "when" with "where", focusing on the location or scenario rather than the timing.

circumstances in which

Offers a more formal tone, emphasizing the surrounding conditions.

cases in which

Highlights specific occurrences or examples.

occasions when

Emphasizes the timing and infrequency of the events.

times when

Simple and direct alternative, focusing on specific moments.

periods when

Indicates a duration or span of time during which something happens.

events where

Replaces "situations" with "events", emphasizing occurrences with a specific outcome.

incidents where

Highlights specific instances, often implying something noteworthy or problematic.

junctures when

Offers a more formal and precise alternative for specific moments or points in time.

scenarios where

Emphasizes hypothetical or potential situations.

FAQs

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

Use "situations when" to introduce a clause that describes the specific conditions or circumstances under which something occurs. For example, "There are "situations when" immediate action is required."

What are some alternatives to "situations when"?

You can use alternatives such as "instances where", "circumstances in which", or "cases in which" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "situations when" or "situations where"?

"Situations when" is typically used to refer to specific times or conditions, while "situations where" is used to refer to specific locations or scenarios. The best choice depends on the context of your sentence.

How does the formality of "situations when" compare to other alternatives?

"Situations when" is generally considered neutral in formality. Alternatives like "circumstances in which" may be slightly more formal, while others like "times when" are more informal.