this happens when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this happens when" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce a condition or situation that leads to a specific outcome or event. Example: "This happens when the temperature drops below freezing, causing water to turn into ice."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This happens when the input is constant or periodic.

Journal of the Franklin Institute

This happens when there is no default section.

Yale University

ted wrote: This happens when there is no default section.

Yale University

This happens when the pelvic muscles and connective tissues weaken.

The New York Times

In general this happens when the outlet size is not wide enough.

Powder Technology

This happens when the costs associated with different failure modes are distinct.

Probabilistic Engineering Mechanics

This happens when the immune system mistakenly attacks insulin-making cells in the pancreas.

Harvard University

This happens when the child is looking for new ways to cope with difficult emotions.

Cornell University

This happens when the ray is far away from the center of the sphere.

Stanford University

"This happens when I talk too long," Obama said, as he helped other participants steady her.

The New Yorker

It is well established that this happens when we learn a new skill, like dancing.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this happens when" to clearly introduce a condition or event that leads directly to a specific outcome. This phrasing is useful for explaining processes, consequences, and cause-and-effect relationships in a straightforward manner.

Common error

Avoid using "this happens when" repeatedly within a short passage. Vary your sentence structure by using synonyms or rephrasing to maintain reader engagement. For example, alternate with phrases like "this occurs if", "this results from", or "consequently".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this happens when" functions as an introductory clause that sets up a conditional or causal relationship. It is used to explain under what circumstances a particular event or outcome will occur. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

39%

News & Media

31%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Academia

12%

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this happens when" is a versatile and grammatically correct construction used to establish causal or conditional relationships. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its validity and frequency. It finds application across various domains, including science, news, and general knowledge, as evidenced by the numerous examples provided. While alternatives exist to add nuance or formality, "this happens when" serves as a clear and accessible way to explain how certain conditions lead to specific outcomes. Pay attention to overuse in a single context and try to make use of some alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this occurs if

Replaces "when" with "if", suggesting a condition rather than a time-based trigger; similar meaning.

this results from

Emphasizes the cause-and-effect relationship, focusing on the origin of the event.

this is a consequence of

Highlights the outcome as an inevitable result of a prior action or state.

this arises because

Focuses on the reason or underlying cause for the event occurring.

this is triggered by

Suggests a specific event or condition initiates the described outcome.

this ensues when

A more formal alternative to "this happens when", indicating that something follows as a result.

this follows if

Indicates that something logically or sequentially comes after a specific condition is met.

this transpires when

A more sophisticated substitute for 'happens', suggesting an event coming to pass.

this manifests as

Emphasizes how an underlying condition or process becomes visible or apparent.

this is observed when

Focuses on the condition under which a phenomenon is noticed or detected.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "this happens when"?

You can use alternatives like "this occurs when", "this results from", or "this is a consequence of" depending on the context.

How can I use "this happens when" effectively in a sentence?

Use "this happens when" to introduce a condition or situation that leads to a specific outcome or event. For example, "This happens when the temperature drops below freezing, causing water to turn into ice."

Is "this happens when" formal or informal?

"This happens when" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives like "this ensues when" may be preferable in academic or professional writing.

What's the difference between "this happens when" and "this occurs when"?

While both phrases convey a similar meaning, "this occurs when" is often perceived as slightly more formal than "this happens when". The choice depends on the intended tone and audience.