specifically when

USAGE SUMMARY

"specifically when" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a specific occurrence of an action or event. Example sentence: I will need to be available for work on Saturdays, specifically when there are important meetings.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Specifically, when embarking on a new journey or working toward a specific goal, fear can readily derail our progress.

Huffington Post

"I don't remember specifically when I learned it.

The Guardian

"At that point specifically, when September comes along, and everybody's starting to get tired.

The New York Times - Sports

But he added that there are exceptions, specifically "when a sequence is perfectly shot".

The New York Times - Arts

Tatum pointed to Anthony's event specifically when discussing the league's encouragement of social involvement.

The New Yorker

Specifically when they refer something they happen to have seen replayed.

The Guardian - Sport

Ms. Tshabalala-Msimang did not say specifically when drugs would become available.

The New York Times

Specifically, when it comes to sex he opts for shadowy rather than frank.

The New York Times - Books

The city is acknowledged as a crucible for fresh talent, specifically when it comes to menswear.

Independent

I fully admit to fangirling at his tweets, specifically when they include details of his new books.

The Guardian

Asked specifically when his team were underestimated, Lennon replied: "I think we have been through this whole campaign.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "specifically when" to pinpoint exact moments or conditions, ensuring clarity and precision in your writing. For instance, "The software malfunctions, specifically when processing large datasets."

Common error

Avoid using "specifically when" in overly casual or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "especially when" or "particularly when" might be more appropriate. For instance, instead of saying "I enjoy going to the park, specifically when the weather is nice", consider saying "I enjoy going to the park, especially when the weather is nice."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "specifically when" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by providing more precise information about time or condition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct. It is used to add detail and clarity, pinpointing the exact circumstances under which an action or event takes place.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "specifically when" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that provides clarity and precision in writing. As Ludwig AI confirms, its function is to pinpoint exact moments or conditions. It is most commonly found in news and media, as well as scientific writing, showcasing its versatility across various contexts. While alternatives like "especially when" and "particularly when" can be used, "specifically when" is most appropriate when precision is key. Avoid overuse in very informal settings. Using "specifically when" effectively enhances clarity and provides precise information, making your writing more impactful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

particularly when

Similar in meaning, but "particularly" emphasizes the distinctiveness of the situation.

especially when

"Especially" highlights a condition or time that is more noteworthy than others.

precisely when

"Precisely" stresses the exactness of the time or circumstance.

in particular when

Adds a slight emphasis on the specific instance or scenario.

notably when

"Notably" draws attention to a noteworthy or remarkable time or condition.

mainly when

"Mainly" suggests that the condition is true for the most part.

chiefly when

"Chiefly" indicates the most important or common time or circumstance.

expressly when

"Expressly" implies a clear and direct specification of the time or condition.

definitely when

"Definitely" emphasizes the certainty of the condition or time.

exactly at the time when

More verbose, emphasizing the precise timing of the event.

FAQs

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

Use "specifically when" to highlight a precise time or condition under which something occurs. For example, "The system crashes, specifically when handling complex calculations".

What are some alternatives to "specifically when"?

You can use alternatives like "particularly when", "especially when", or "precisely when" to convey a similar meaning, depending on the nuance you want to express.

Is it better to use "specifically when" or "especially when"?

"Specifically when" is used to highlight a precise condition, while "especially when" emphasizes that the condition is noteworthy or remarkable. Choose the phrase that best fits the intended meaning of your sentence. Using especially when can often soften the tone.

Can I use "specifically when" in formal writing?

Yes, "specifically when" is suitable for formal writing because it is clear and precise. It's often used in academic, scientific, and professional contexts to clearly define conditions or timing.