when coming back

USAGE SUMMARY

"when coming back" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to indicate a time or condition related to returning to a place or situation. Example: "I will call you when coming back from the store." Alternative expressions include "upon returning" and "when I return."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

I'm one of the few people who actually enjoys going through passport control when coming back to the United States.

The New York Times

TE Nick Kasa Lammey: Kasa showed good athleticism when coming back to the ball and running after the catch.

The New York Times

"We'd all just get a phone-call when coming back from a job, and if we were all around, I'd go back to prison".

Independent

He's not a polished route runner but does a good job of turning and exploding when coming back to the football.

The New York Times

The first step toward this product is a vehicle programmed on a defined trajectory, that records data and reports to the sonar operator when coming back to the recovery point.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

There was a time when coming back to an empty house would fill me with pleasure – like a snowy day at school.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

When are you coming back?" he asked.

The New Yorker

And when is she coming back?

The New York Times - Books

"When are you coming back [to Australia]?

Independent

When is Waxman coming back?

The New York Times - Food

When are you coming back?

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "when coming back", ensure the sentence clearly specifies who or what is returning to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid placing descriptive phrases too far from the subject; for example, instead of "When coming back, the house looked different to me", write "When I was coming back, the house looked different to me" to clarify who is returning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when coming back" functions as an adverbial clause of time, modifying the main clause of a sentence by specifying when an action occurs. Ludwig shows examples of its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

20%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "when coming back" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that functions as an adverbial clause of time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's versatile enough for both formal and informal contexts, mainly appearing in News & Media and Science. To ensure clarity, avoid misplaced modifiers and clearly specify the subject returning. Consider more formal alternatives like "upon returning" for professional settings, and be mindful of the subtle nuances in meaning when choosing alternative expressions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

when returning

Gerund form focusing on the action.

as I come back

More personal and direct phrasing.

returning

Shortened version implying the same meaning.

as we get back

Refers to a group returning, altering the subject.

upon returning

Formal alternative emphasizing the action of return.

once back

Shorter, more casual expression.

on the return

Focuses on the journey or act of returning itself.

after getting back

Emphasizes the completion of the return.

after the return

Highlights the period following the return.

at the time of return

Formal and emphasizes a specific moment.

FAQs

How can I use "when coming back" in a sentence?

You can use "when coming back" to describe a situation or event that occurs upon someone's return. For example, "When coming back from vacation, I felt refreshed".

What's a more formal alternative to "when coming back"?

A more formal alternative to "when coming back" is "upon returning". For example, "Upon returning to the office, I found several urgent messages".

Is "when coming back" grammatically correct?

Yes, "when coming back" is grammatically correct. It functions as an adverbial phrase modifying the main clause of the sentence.

What's the difference between "when coming back" and "when I come back"?

"When coming back" is a shortened form using a participle, while "when I come back" is a full clause with a subject and verb. The choice depends on the desired level of formality and the context of the sentence.