this is when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this is when" is correct and usable in written English.
For example, you could use this phrase in a sentence like this: "This is when I knew I wanted to pursue a career in mathematics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is when accidents happen.

The New York Times - Books

This is when I swooned for him.

The New York Times

And this is when technology becomes scary.

The New York Times

And this is when she is winning.

The New York Times - Sports

This is when the magic starts".

The New York Times

This is when politeness does become necessary.

The Economist

And this is when it works.

The New Yorker

This is when the real work begins".

The New York Times

This is when the magic happens".

The New York Times - Arts

This is when you get into trouble".

The New York Times

"This is when you deliver it.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this is when" to clearly indicate the timing or circumstances of an event or action. This phrase is versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts to provide temporal context.

Common error

Avoid starting too many consecutive sentences with "this is when", especially in formal writing. Vary your sentence structure by using alternative phrases or rephrasing to avoid monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is when" functions as an adverbial phrase that introduces a clause specifying the time or circumstance in which an event or action occurs. It provides temporal context, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this is when" serves as a versatile conjunction phrase to specify timing or circumstances. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, primarily in news and media. While it's suitable for both formal and informal writing, overuse should be avoided. Consider alternatives like "that is when" or "this is the moment that" for variety. "This is when" helps clarify the temporal aspect of an event and is widely employed by authoritative sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that's the time when

Replaces "this is" with "that's the time", emphasizing a specific moment.

that is the moment that

Emphasizes the specific moment using "that is the moment", making it slightly more formal.

this is the point at which

Replaces "when" with "the point at which", adding a more precise or analytical tone.

this is the occasion that

Substitutes "when" with "the occasion that", suggesting a more formal or significant event.

it is at this time that

Changes the structure to "it is at this time", providing a slightly more emphatic and formal tone.

this marks the moment

Uses "marks the moment" instead of "is when", highlighting the significance of the event.

this is the stage where

Replaces "when" with "the stage where", often used to describe a process or sequence of events.

this is the period that

Substitutes "when" with "the period that", indicating a duration or segment of time.

that's when it happens

Uses "that's when it happens", adding a more conversational and less precise tone.

this is the day that

Replaces "when" with "the day that", specifying a particular day.

FAQs

How can I use "this is when" in a sentence?

Use "this is when" to specify the timing or conditions of an event. For example, "This is when the magic happens" indicates the moment when something special occurs.

What are some alternatives to "this is when"?

Alternatives include "that is when", "that is the time when", or "this is the moment that", depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

Is it correct to start a sentence with "this is when"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to start a sentence with "this is when", particularly when you want to emphasize the timing or circumstances of an event. However, avoid overusing it.

What's the difference between "this is when" and "this is where"?

"This is when" refers to a specific time or occasion, while "this is where" refers to a specific location or place. For example, "This is when I met her" indicates the time, while "This is where I met her" indicates the location.