the year when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the year when" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific year in the past, usually in the context of a particular event or situation taking place in that year. For example: "The year when I graduated from college was a special one for me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

2014: it was the year when.

Independent

The year when Britain faces a choice.

The Guardian

Refunds are processed throughout the year when credit balances appear.

Columbia University

— Herman Cain "This is the year when we can't settle.

The New Yorker

Will 2012 be the year when telehealth takes off?

The Guardian

But 2012 has been the year when the heavens opened.

The Telegraph

That will be the year when everybody goes to Sydney.

The New York Times - Sports

This was the year when food blogging came of age.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

2009 is the year when everything clicked into place.

The Guardian - Tech

We went from the year when it was off the charts to the year when it was mainstream".

The New York Times

However, the year when the court introduced the calendar into the system of night hours has not yet been determined.

Advances in Space Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the year when", ensure the following clause provides specific and relevant information about what made that year significant. This provides context and avoids vagueness.

Common error

Ensure the "when" clause clearly and unambiguously refers to the year. Avoid vague or complex clauses that obscure the connection between the year and the event. For example, instead of saying, "The year when things started to get complicated", specify what "things" are and how they became complicated within that year.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the year when" functions as a relative clause introducing a specific time period. It connects a year to a defining event or circumstance. As Ludwig indicates, it's a common construction for providing temporal context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "the year when" serves as a common and grammatically sound method for establishing a temporal context by linking a specific year with a significant event. As Ludwig highlights, this phrase is widely used across various sources like news outlets, academic papers, and scientific publications, indicating its versatility and broad acceptance. When using this phrase, ensure clear reference to the year and the associated event. The numerous examples provided by Ludwig emphasize its utility in providing context and setting the stage for further discussion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the time when

Replaces "year" with the more general term "time", broadening the reference beyond a specific year.

the occasion when

Substitutes "year" with "occasion", implying a specific event or instance.

the period when

Replaces "year" with "period", referring to a duration rather than a specific year.

the date when

Substitutes "year" with "date", focusing on a specific calendar day.

the season when

Replaces "year" with "season", referring to a time of year characterized by certain conditions.

the moment when

Substitutes "year" with "moment", focusing on a specific point in time.

the phase when

Replaces "year" with "phase", suggesting a stage in a process or cycle.

the stage when

Similar to "phase when", but often used in the context of a process or project.

the era when

Replaces "year" with "era", referring to a longer, more significant period.

the century when

Substitutes "year" with "century", specifying a 100-year period.

FAQs

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

Use "the year when" to specify a particular year associated with a significant event or occurrence. For example, "2020 was "the year when" the pandemic began."

What are some alternatives to using "the year when"?

Alternatives include "the time when", "the occasion when", or simply specifying the year followed by a descriptive clause. For instance, instead of ""the year when" the Berlin Wall fell", you could say "1989, the year the Berlin Wall fell".

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "the year when"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to start a sentence with "the year when", especially when introducing a clause that provides context or explanation about that specific year. However, ensure the sentence flows logically and remains clear.

How can I make my writing more precise when using "the year when"?

To enhance precision, clearly define the event or situation that made that year significant. Provide specific details and avoid vague language. For example, instead of saying ""the year when" everything changed", explain exactly what changed and its impact.