when an emergency happens

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "when an emergency happens" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to situations that arise unexpectedly and require immediate attention or action. Example: "It is important to have a plan in place when an emergency happens to ensure everyone's safety."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

"Everything is more complicated when an emergency happens in a skyscraper," he said.

The New York Times

One of the main problems that arise when an emergency happens is minimizing the delay time in emergency resource forwarding so as to reduce both human and material damages.

Future Generation Computer Systems

This control system actuates when an emergency happens and modifies dynamically the routes of normal and emergency urban traffic in order to reduce the time that the emergency resources need to get to the emergency area.

Future Generation Computer Systems

I also think that when an "emergency" happens every 100 days, it is no longer an emergency.

Huffington Post

When an emergency happens, they have to begin that process or, worse, try to manage with technical teams that do not adequately match the requirements of the CCC sectors.

Unicef

The first thing you must do when an emergency happens, is to calm down, hurry and grab your packed emergency bag and your pet (if you have one).

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"If an emergency happens, we can respond," says an official surveying the images of lifeless streets.

The Economist

Always stick together and don't leave anyone behind if an emergency happens.

WikiHow

If an emergency happened, who would be there for you?

Huffington Post

When there's a psychiatric emergency happening on their property, crack dealers might think their resources are limited to hoses and cops and they're obviously not about to call the cops.

Vice

Notifications are critical when an emergency scenario is going to happen (e.g. a typhoon approaching) so the ability to transmit notifications to different kind of users is a crucial feature for such systems.

Expert Systems with Applications

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "when an emergency happens", ensure that the sentence clearly outlines the subsequent action or protocol to be followed.

Common error

Avoid using "when an emergency happens" repeatedly in a single piece of writing. Opt for synonyms like "in case of an emergency" or rephrase the sentence for variety.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when an emergency happens" functions as an adverbial clause of time, indicating the timing or condition under which a certain action or situation occurs. The examples from Ludwig illustrate its use in introducing actions to be taken once an emergency arises.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

17%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

16%

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "when an emergency happens" is a grammatically sound and understandable phrase used to denote the onset of an emergency and subsequent actions. Ludwig AI confirms this assessment. Though not overly common, it appears across diverse sources, primarily in news, wikis, science and business contexts. For more formal settings, consider using "in the event of an emergency". To ensure effective communication, clearly outline the necessary actions following the description of the event.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the event of an emergency

Replaces "when" with "in the event of", focusing on the hypothetical nature of the emergency.

should an emergency arise

Uses a more formal and conditional phrasing.

if an emergency occurs

Replaces "when" with "if", emphasizing the conditional aspect.

during an emergency situation

Focuses on the time frame of the emergency.

in case of an emergency

Highlights preparedness for a potential emergency.

if there's an emergency

A more conversational alternative, using "there's".

upon the occurrence of an emergency

A more formal and less common phrasing.

when a crisis arises

Substitutes "emergency" with "crisis", indicating a severe situation.

if a dangerous situation unfolds

Replaces emergency with a longer synonym, indicating a threat.

should a contingency take place

Uses formal synonyms, "contingency" for emergency and "take place" for happen.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "when an emergency happens" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "in the event of an emergency" or "should an emergency arise". These alternatives ("in the event of an emergency" and "should an emergency arise") lend a more professional feel to your writing.

What are some alternatives to "when an emergency happens" for casual conversation?

In casual settings, you can use phrases like "if there's an emergency" or "in case of an emergency". These alternatives ("if there's an emergency" and "in case of an emergency") are more relaxed and conversational.

Is "when an emergency happens" grammatically correct?

Yes, "when an emergency happens" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness and usability of the phrase.

What's the difference between "when an emergency happens" and "during an emergency"?

"When an emergency happens" describes the point at which an emergency begins and often introduces a course of action. "During an emergency" focuses on actions taken while the emergency is ongoing, so they are not interchangeable.