sometimes when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'sometimes when' is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to introduce a specific example or situation that is not necessarily typical or frequent. For example: "Sometimes when I go out for dinner, I like to try something new."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Sometimes when I'm on I.S.C.

The New York Times

Sometimes when I am alone, I cry.

The New Yorker

Sometimes, when that happens, things go wrong.

The New Yorker

Except sometimes when Ms. Burton visits.

The New York Times

Sometimes when conglomerates fail, families prevail.

The New York Times

"Even sometimes when we're playing at home".

The New York Times - Sports

Sometimes, when she awakens, she remembers nothing.

The New Yorker

Sometimes, when we anticipate this, nothing happens.

The New York Times - Sports

Sometimes, when you know, you know.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Sometimes when she sleeps, she talks.

The New York Times

But sometimes when we're sick we think we're not.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sometimes when" to introduce a specific instance or condition that may not always be true. This helps add nuance to your statements.

Common error

Avoid starting too many sentences with "sometimes when" as it can make your writing repetitive. Vary your sentence structure by using alternative phrases like "occasionally when" or rephrasing the sentence entirely.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sometimes when" functions as a conjunction phrase, introducing a dependent clause that describes an event or situation that occurs intermittently or occasionally. Ludwig provides several examples showcasing this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Wiki

21%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Huffington Post

5%

The New Yorker

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sometimes when" is a grammatically sound and commonly used conjunction phrase to introduce a condition that occurs intermittently. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples across varied contexts, predominantly in news, media, and wiki sources. To improve writing, avoid overusing this phrase by incorporating alternatives and varying sentence structure. The phrase serves to express that something happens occasionally, adding detail and nuance to a statement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

occasionally when

Replaces "sometimes" with a synonym indicating less frequent occurrence.

at times when

Emphasizes that the event happens during specific moments.

now and then when

Indicates an irregular or infrequent occurrence.

periodically when

Suggests that the event occurs at recurring intervals.

from time to time when

Implies that the event occurs sporadically.

on occasion when

Highlights that the event is not a regular occurrence.

every so often when

Conveys a sense of infrequency and randomness.

once in a while when

Indicates a rare or unusual event.

infrequently when

Directly states that the event does not happen often.

irregularly when

Stresses the lack of a consistent pattern.

FAQs

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

Use "sometimes when" to introduce a clause that describes a situation that happens occasionally. For example, "Sometimes when I'm tired, I take a nap."

What are some alternatives to "sometimes when"?

You can use alternatives such as "occasionally when", "at times when", or "from time to time when" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to use "sometimes when"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to use "sometimes when". It functions as a conjunction phrase introducing a conditional clause that occurs intermittently.

What's the difference between "sometimes when" and "always when"?

"Sometimes when" indicates an event that happens occasionally, while "always when" suggests that the event happens every time a certain condition is met.