the time when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the time when" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to talk about a specific point or period in time. For example: "The time when I knew I was in love was the moment I saw her smiling across the room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The time when we're all Not Here.

The New York Times

"Some of the time when a C.E.O.

The New York Times

Breakfast has become the time when we celebrate family birthdays.

The New York Times

"Then, there was the time when I got knocked unconscious.

The New Yorker

It's the time when every slum is gone..."....

The New Yorker

Remember the time when a recalcitrant groundhog bit his hand?

The New York Times

"This is the time when I'm finally able to relax.

Independent

We speak now of the time when this is done:.

The New Yorker

And so the time when I "need to" had arrived.

The New York Times

It's the time when we are waiting to be told.

The New Yorker

That is the time when all parents turn into pumpkins.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the time when", ensure the clause that follows clearly specifies the event or situation you're referring to. This avoids ambiguity and provides clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid shifting tenses inconsistently within the sentence. If you're describing a past event using "the time when", ensure the subsequent clause maintains the past tense unless there's a specific reason to change it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the time when" functions as a relative clause introducer, connecting a main clause to a subordinate clause that specifies a particular point or period. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, enabling writers to pinpoint moments within a narrative or explanation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

28%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

6%

Encyclopedias

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the time when" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a relative clause that specifies a particular moment or period. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts. It's essential to maintain consistent tense and ensure clarity in the subsequent clause. Alternatives like "the moment that" or "the occasion when" can add variety. "The time when" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing. This phrase appears most frequently in News & Media, Science and Wiki. By understanding its function and usage, writers can effectively convey temporal relationships and enhance the clarity of their prose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the moment that

Replaces "time" with "moment", emphasizing a specific instant rather than a duration.

the occasion when

Substitutes "time" with "occasion", highlighting a particular event.

the period during which

Replaces the relative pronoun construction with a prepositional phrase specifying duration.

during the time that

Emphasizes the duration using "during" instead of the relative pronoun "when".

at the point that

Focuses on a specific juncture using "point" instead of "time".

the instance that

Uses "instance" to denote a particular occurrence.

the stage at which

Employs "stage" to signify a phase or step in a process.

in those days when

Adds a temporal marker referring to a past era or period.

the era that

Replaces "time" with "era", indicating a broader historical period.

the juncture at which

Uses "juncture" to denote a critical or decisive point in time.

FAQs

How can I use "the time when" in a sentence?

You can use "the time when" to introduce a clause that specifies a particular moment or period. For example, "I remember "the time when" we first met."

What phrases are similar to "the time when"?

Similar phrases include "the moment that", "the occasion when", or "during the time that".

Is "the time when" considered formal or informal?

"The time when" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the surrounding language and the specific situation being described.

Can I replace "when" with "that" after "the time"?

While grammatically acceptable in some contexts, replacing "when" with "that" after "the time" is less common and might sound slightly awkward. It's generally better to stick with ""the time when"" for clarity and naturalness.