then when it

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "then when it" is not correct and does not form a coherent expression in written English.
It appears to be a fragment that lacks context and clarity, making it difficult to determine its intended use. Example: "I will explain the process, then when it is complete, we can move on."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But then when it happened..

The Guardian - Film

Then, when it opened, people said, 'Wow!

The New York Times

And then, when it was over, they refused all congratulations.

The New York Times - Sports

Then, when it happened, the republic was crippled by hesitation.

The Economist

But then when it went live, I got hooked, straightaway.

The New York Times

And then when it finally did, Rask denied Callahan.

The New York Times - Sports

And then when it was over, she couldn't watch herself.

The Guardian - Film

Then, when it fails, they're shocked and amazed".

The New York Times

Then, when it gets going, you're fighting for a turn.

The Guardian - Books

And then when it comes, there's no big whoop.

The New York Times

Then when it all works, the baby has been born".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using "then when it" in formal writing. Instead, opt for clearer alternatives like "then, after it" or "then, once it" to improve readability and grammatical correctness.

Common error

Avoid redundancy by not combining "then" with "when" unnecessarily. "Then" already implies a sequence, so using "when" directly after can create an awkward construction. Consider rephrasing for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "then when it" functions as a temporal connector, attempting to link two events in a sequence. However, it's often perceived as grammatically awkward. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered incorrect.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "then when it" is frequently used to connect events in a temporal sequence, but Ludwig AI indicates that it's not grammatically correct. While common, especially in News & Media and Science, it's advisable to use clearer alternatives like "then, after it" or "once it" for better clarity and grammatical accuracy, especially in formal writing. Remember to avoid redundant temporal markers and prioritize precision in your writing. The phrase functions as a temporal connector, showing a conditionality and sequence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

then, after it

Emphasizes the temporal sequence with a clearer separation using 'then' and 'after'.

then, once it

Highlights the conditionality of the second event happening only after the first is complete.

then, as soon as it

Suggests a prompt transition between the two events.

and then, when it

Adds a conjunction to emphasize the sequence and condition.

later, when it

Indicates that the second event occurs at a later time.

subsequently, when it

Suggests a logical or causal connection between the events.

after that, when it

Clearly separates the events with a transitional phrase.

following that, when it

Similar to 'after that' but with a slightly more formal tone.

thereafter, when it

A more formal way of saying 'after that'.

next, when it

Signifies the immediate succession of events.

FAQs

Is "then when it" grammatically correct?

No, the phrase "then when it" is generally considered grammatically incorrect. It's better to use phrases like "then, after it" or "then, once it" for clarity.

How can I rephrase a sentence that uses "then when it"?

You can often replace "then when it" with alternatives such as "after that", "once it", or "subsequently", depending on the intended meaning.

What is the difference between "then when it" and "then after it"?

"Then when it" is considered grammatically awkward and less clear. "Then after it" provides a more explicit and grammatically correct way to express the sequence of events.

Can I use "then when it" in formal writing?

It is advisable to avoid using "then when it" in formal writing. Opt for more precise and grammatically correct alternatives to maintain a professional tone. Examples include: "then, once it" or "after it happens".