though when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "though when" is not standard in written English and may lead to confusion.
It could be used in contexts where you want to express a contrast or condition related to time, but it is generally better to rephrase for clarity. Example: "I wanted to go for a walk, though when it started raining, I changed my mind."

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What happens, though, when the athlete ages?

The Guardian

Now, though, when you look at it..."...

The Guardian - Music

They may encounter problems, though, when navigating the links.

The New York Times

The big test comes Saturday, though, when they face Lincecum.

The New York Times - Sports

It is unclear, though, when that exchange took place.

The New York Times

Why bother, though, when you can make your own?

Independent

Mostly, though, when they talk Fritz, they talk football.

The New York Times - Sports

The crowd clearly noticed, though, when Lin had the ball.

The New York Times - Sports

There was a time, though, when things were otherwise.

The New York Times - Books

Are they, though, when their constituents overwhelmingly favor the measure?

The New Yorker

There were times, though, when it was magical between us.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For clarity, consider replacing "though when" with more explicit constructions like "although when" or "even when", especially in formal writing.

Common error

Avoid using "though when" excessively in formal documents. While acceptable, it can sometimes sound less polished than alternatives like "however when" or "despite the fact that when".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "though when" functions as a conjunction phrase, connecting two clauses while introducing a contrast or exception related to time. This is evident from the examples provided by Ludwig, where it links a statement with a condition related to a specific moment or situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "though when" is a common conjunction phrase used to introduce a contrast or exception tied to a specific time. While grammatically acceptable, Ludwig AI indicates it's not always the most polished choice, particularly in formal contexts. For clearer and more impactful writing, consider swapping it out for alternatives like "although when" or "even when". It appears most frequently in News & Media but is rare in academic settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

although when

Replaces "though" with "although", providing a more formal and standard conjunction.

even when

Emphasizes the condition despite the circumstance, similar to a strong contrast.

but when

Uses "but" instead of "though" for a simpler contrasting conjunction.

yet when

Offers a slightly more formal alternative to "but when", indicating a contrast related to time.

however when

Adds "however" for stronger emphasis on the contrast, often used in more formal writing.

in situations when

Rephrases to focus on specific circumstances where the contrast applies.

despite the fact that when

Introduces a longer, more explicit contrasting clause, emphasizing the unexpected nature of the temporal connection.

on the other hand when

Signals a direct contrast in a more descriptive manner.

conversely when

Highlights an opposite situation related to time.

whereas when

Indicates a direct comparison and contrast within the same timeframe.

FAQs

How can I use "though when" in a sentence?

You can use "though when" to introduce a contrasting element related to a specific time. For example, "I enjoy running, "though when" it rains, I prefer to stay indoors."

What's a more formal alternative to "though when"?

For more formal writing, consider using phrases like "although when", "however when", or "despite the fact that when".

Is "though when" grammatically incorrect?

While not strictly incorrect, "though when" can sometimes be ambiguous. Rephrasing for clarity is often recommended.

What is the difference between "though when" and "even when"?

"Though when" introduces a contrast, while "even when" emphasizes that something happens regardless of the circumstances. For example, "I exercise regularly, "though when" I'm busy, it's hard to find the time" versus "I exercise regularly, even when I'm busy."