when buying

USAGE SUMMARY

"when buying" is a perfectly valid phrase in written English.
You can use it when talking about doing or acquiring something with money, such as shopping, purchasing or investing. Example: When buying a new car, it's important to consider all your options thoroughly.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Require identification when buying ammunition.

The New York Times

Be careful when buying nonrefundable tickets!

Columbia University

Households make an investment analysis when buying new electrical appliances.

Resource and Energy Economics

Comfort is an increasingly important issue when buying a car.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

Tickets: $19 $155 when buying season tickets.

The New York Times - Arts

Gambles are inherent when buying horses.

The New York Times - Sports

Check sell-by dates when buying.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Comfort is the key when buying shoes for walking.

Harvard University

There's a lot to consider when buying a family tent.

Independent

There are some disadvantages when buying online.

TechCrunch

Transportation: be practical when buying a car.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When providing advice related to purchasing, use "when buying" to introduce a specific scenario or consideration. For example, "When buying a used car, check the vehicle history report."

Common error

Avoid using "when buying" to state the obvious or offer generic advice. Instead, focus on specific and actionable recommendations relevant to the purchase in question. Example: Instead of "When buying something, make sure it's what you want", try "When buying electronics, compare specifications and read customer reviews."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when buying" functions as an adverbial clause of time, modifying the main clause by specifying when an action or situation occurs. It sets the context for advice, precautions, or considerations that are relevant during the purchasing process. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and broad usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

35%

News & Media

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "when buying" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that introduces a time-related clause offering advice or context during the purchase process. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It is generally neutral in register, making it suitable for various audiences across contexts like News & Media, Wiki, and Science. Common usage involves providing actionable insights rather than generic statements. Related phrases include "upon purchasing" and "while shopping for", offering similar meanings with slight variations. Remember to provide specific guidance and avoid overgeneralizations when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

upon purchasing

Formal alternative, emphasizing the moment of purchase.

while shopping for

Focuses on the activity of shopping, rather than the specific act of buying.

as you shop for

Similar to "while shopping for", but can imply advice or guidance.

in the process of buying

Highlights the duration and steps involved in making a purchase.

prior to purchase

A more succinct way of saying 'before making a purchase'.

if you are considering a purchase

Introduces a conditional aspect, suggesting a potential buying scenario.

before making a purchase

Emphasizes the time before the actual transaction.

when acquiring

A more formal and general term for obtaining something, not necessarily through a purchase.

during acquisition of

Similar to 'when acquiring', but adds a time frame.

on the occasion of buying

Highlights the event or instance of making a purchase.

FAQs

How to use "when buying" in a sentence?

Use "when buying" to introduce a clause that describes a situation or action taken during the process of purchasing something. For example, "When buying a house, consider the location and potential resale value."

What can I say instead of "when buying"?

You can use alternatives like "upon purchasing", "while shopping for", or "before making a purchase" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "while buying" instead of "when buying"?

While both are grammatically acceptable, "when buying" typically refers to a specific moment or condition during the purchase, whereas "while buying" emphasizes the duration of the shopping activity. It depends on the intended meaning of the sentence.

What are some common mistakes people make when using "when buying"?

One common mistake is using it for overly broad statements that lack specific guidance. To improve, make your advice more actionable and tailored to the item being purchased. Instead of saying "when buying something, consider the price", be more specific like "when buying a laptop, compare prices from different retailers".