when can you

USAGE SUMMARY

"when can you" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It is used to ask about the availability or possibility of doing something at a specific time. For example: - When can you start working on the project? - When can you meet with me to discuss the details? - When can you come over for dinner? - When can you travel to Europe?.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

When can you rush the passer?

The New York Times - Sports

When can you realize you're clumsier?

The New York Times - Sports

When can you fly out?

The New York Times

"When can you judge worker's welfare?

The Guardian

"When can you start?" was his response.

The Guardian

Here's what I heard: "When can you come down?

The New York Times

When can you take us?" Mr. Keating said.

The New York Times

When can you say that the next woman doesn't count?

The Guardian

To ponder: When can you imprison someone indefinitely?

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

And when you can, you should.

The New Yorker

Open you windows when you can.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "when can you", be specific about what action or event you are asking about to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "when can you" in very formal correspondence. Opt for alternatives like "what is the earliest date you are available" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when can you" functions as an interrogative clause, specifically used to inquire about the timing or availability for a certain action or event. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Social Media

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "when can you" serves as a straightforward way to inquire about availability or timing. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and enjoys widespread usage across diverse contexts. While versatile, it's advisable to consider formality levels, opting for more sophisticated alternatives in highly formal scenarios. Remember to specify the action you're asking about to avoid ambiguity. This ensures clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

when are you able to

Replaces "can" with "are able to", emphasizing ability.

when will you be available

Focuses on availability at a future time.

what time are you free

Asks for a specific time of availability.

by what date can you

Specifies a deadline or latest possible time.

when is it feasible for you to

Emphasizes feasibility or practicality.

what's a good time for you

Inquires about a suitable or convenient time.

when is your earliest availability

Asks for the soonest possible time.

what is your timeline

Asks about overall schedule, not specific to an action.

what's the first opportunity you have

Focuses on the initial chance or occasion.

how soon can you

Inquires about the promptness or rapidity.

FAQs

How do I use "when can you" in a sentence?

"When can you" is used to ask about someone's availability or the possibility of doing something at a specific time. For example, "When can you start the project?" or "When can you meet me for lunch?"

What are some alternatives to "when can you"?

You can use alternatives like "when are you able to", "when will you be available", or "what time are you free" depending on the context.

Is "when can you" appropriate for formal communication?

While grammatically correct, "when can you" is generally more suitable for informal or neutral communication. For formal contexts, consider using phrases like "what is the earliest date you are available".

Which is correct: "When can you start?" or "When you can start?"

"When can you start?" is a question asking about the timing of starting something. "When you can start" is a dependent clause that needs an independent clause to complete the sentence, for example, "Let me know when you can start".