that happens when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that happens when" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to introduce a consequence or result of a previous action or situation. Here is an example: "I always feel sleepy after eating a big meal. That happens when I eat too much." In this sentence, "that happens when" is used to explain the cause of feeling sleepy after eating a big meal.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

That's something that happens when old people die.

The Guardian - Music

"That's an exposure that happens when the mask is changed," she explained.

The New Yorker

The truth is that everything that happens when you cook is chemistry.

The New Yorker

This is not something that happens when these drugs are used recreationally.

The New Yorker

As always, I am intrigued by the shift in focus that happens when I visit.

Independent

That's one of the things that happens when you're going bald prematurely.

Independent

Still, there is no mistaking the loss of power that happens when Berio takes Puccini's place.

The New Yorker

But one thing that happens when you shrink government is that women lose jobs.

The New York Times

This is the kind of thing that happens when poems circulate among friends in manuscript.

The New Yorker

That's the first thing that happens when you run in circles in the desert all day?

The New York Times - Books

Then the general thing that happens when you grow older in show business.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that happens when" to clearly link a cause and effect, ensuring your writing is direct and easily understood. For example: "Mistakes happen. That happens when you're learning a new skill."

Common error

Avoid using "that happens when" in overly complex or ambiguous situations where the causal relationship is not immediately clear. Instead, provide more context or use a more descriptive phrase to ensure clarity for your reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that happens when" functions as a causal connector, introducing a consequence or result following a specific condition. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in connecting events. Examples show its use to explain outcomes in various situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

8%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "that happens when" functions as a causal connector, directly linking a condition or event with its consequence. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and frequently used across diverse contexts, including news, science, and formal writing. The phrase's neutral register makes it appropriate for various communication styles. For alternative phrasing, consider options like "that is the result of" or "this is due to", and remember to maintain clarity when explaining complex causal relationships.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that's what occurs when

Replaces "happens" with "occurs", offering a slightly more formal tone.

that's a consequence of

Directly states the causal link as a consequence.

that is the result of

Focuses on the outcome as a direct consequence, shifting the emphasis slightly.

this is due to when

Indicates that the situation is directly caused by something.

this is what transpires when

Substitutes "happens" with "transpires", giving a more elevated or dramatic feel.

it follows that when

Implies a logical conclusion or result from a prior condition.

the consequence of that is

Highlights the result more explicitly as a consequence, altering the sentence structure.

the effect of that is

Similar to 'the consequence', but focusing specifically on the effect.

that stems from when

Emphasizes the origin or root cause of the situation.

that arises from when

Similar to 'stems from', indicating where the situation originates.

FAQs

How can I use "that happens when" in a sentence?

Use "that happens when" to connect a situation with its direct cause. For example: "The computer crashes frequently. That happens when the memory is full."

What are some alternatives to "that happens when"?

Alternatives include "that is the result of", "this is due to", or "the consequence of that is", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "that happened when" instead of "that happens when"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "that happened when" refers to a past event, while "that happens when" describes a general or recurring situation.

What's the difference between "that happens when" and "that is because"?

"That happens when" directly links an event to a condition, while "that is because" explains the reason behind a situation. The former is more observational, while the latter is more explanatory.