time when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "time when" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific moment or period in the past, present, or future. Example: "I remember the time when we first met at the conference."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Time: When Knighthood was in flower.

The New Yorker

"We compress time when we build".

The New Yorker

Describe a time when . . .

The New Yorker

One time, when we travelled abroad..."...

The New Yorker

The time when we're all Not Here.

The New York Times

Maternity found time when it had to".

The New York Times - Books

There was a time when we couldn't".

The New Yorker

Time when you could be learning French.

The Guardian

"Some of the time when a C.E.O.

The New York Times

One time, when we travelled abroad......

The New Yorker

time when?

Functional Linguistics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "time when" in writing, ensure it clearly connects the period or moment to the event or situation you're describing for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "time when" in overly complex sentences where the relationship between the time and the event becomes unclear. Break down the sentence for better readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "time when" functions as a relative adverb, introducing a clause that specifies a particular point or period in time. Ludwig confirms its widespread usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Wiki

30%

Science

28%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "time when" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that introduces a clause specifying a particular moment or period. As Ludwig AI confirms, it enjoys broad applicability across various registers, notably in news, scientific, and general contexts. For enhancing clarity in your writing, remember to ensure the temporal relationship with the connected event is straightforward. When you need a change of pace, consider alternatives like "moment that" or "period that", always keeping the intended meaning in mind.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moment that

Replaces "time" with "moment", emphasizing a specific point in time rather than a duration.

period that

Substitutes "time" with "period", indicating a longer duration or interval.

occasion that

Uses "occasion" instead of "time", focusing on a specific event or instance.

instance where

Replaces "time" with "instance", highlighting a particular occurrence or example.

stage that

Employs "stage" instead of "time", suggesting a phase or step in a process.

phase in which

Changes "time" to "phase", indicating a specific period within a larger process.

juncture at which

Replaces "time" with "juncture", emphasizing a critical or decisive point in time.

the point at which

Uses "point" to refer to a precise moment or stage in time or a process.

the duration that

Focuses on the length of time rather than a specific moment.

the era that

Implies a longer, more significant span of time, such as a historical period.

FAQs

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

Use "time when" to introduce a clause that specifies a particular moment or period during which something occurred. For example, "I remember the "time when" we first met".

What are some alternatives to "time when"?

Alternatives include "moment that", "period that", or "occasion that", depending on whether you want to emphasize a specific instant, a duration, or an event.

Is it better to use "time when" or "the time that"?

"Time when" and "the time that" are often interchangeable, but "time when" can sound more natural in certain contexts. "The "time that"" may be preferred for greater emphasis or formality.

How does "time when" differ from "a time where"?

"Time when" is used to describe a point or period in time. "A "time where"" is grammatically incorrect; "time when" or "situation where" are the correct phrases to use.