when coming up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "when coming up" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to indicate a time or situation when something is being proposed or suggested. Example: "When coming up with ideas, it's important to think outside the box." Alternative expressions include "when proposing," "when suggesting," and "when generating."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Overall, Klopp has quite an impressive record when coming up against Mourinho.

Independent

Ms. Holley said she had ignored most other magazines when coming up with this design.

The New York Times

Be precise when coming up with this list, and be thoughtful.

Harvard Business Review

Encouraging everyone to understand the problem is crucial when coming up with new strategies and solutions.

The Guardian

When coming up with a new concept, I never think of the console the game will run on.

The Guardian - Tech

"Just to clear it up: nope, I'd never heard anything about Cameron and a pig when coming up with that story.

Independent

Finally, importance of planning integration of renewable energy sources at early design stages of the project is highlighted in order to overcome the difficulties that need to be faced when coming up with the optimum design.

Energy

Special effects artist Stan Winston was inspired by two things when coming up with the famous villain from John McTiernan's action movie.

The Washington Post

The temptation, when coming up with projects such as these, is to plump with much bravado for either an elitist or a populist approach.

The Guardian - Books

"When coming up with a story, we want to make sure it is just a story within Minecraft, as opposed to the story within Minecraft".

The Guardian - Tech

We seemed unable to deal with the added pressure, and we seemed to lack the depth required when coming up against some really impressive competitors.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "when coming up" to describe problem-solving, ensure the context clearly indicates whether you are referring to the initial idea generation or the ongoing refinement of a solution. Add more context to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "when coming up" as a direct substitute for "after" or "once" something has already been established. The phrase typically implies an active process of creation or discovery, not a retrospective action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when coming up" functions as an adverbial clause of time, modifying the main clause by specifying when an action or situation occurs. As shown by Ludwig, it introduces a circumstance under which something else happens.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

23%

Wiki

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "when coming up" is a versatile phrase functioning as an adverbial clause of time. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and commonly used across various domains, including news, science, and online guides. While generally neutral in tone, it leans toward professional usage, indicating a structured process of devising, planning, or encountering. When writing, ensure that "when coming up" accurately reflects the active process of creation or discovery, and consider context to enhance clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

when devising

A more concise synonym, directly focusing on the act of devising or creating.

when formulating

Similar to "when devising", but emphasizes the specific action of formulating.

in the process of devising

Highlights the process of devising, implying a more structured or planned approach.

while formulating

Emphasizes the act of formulating or creating something, rather than a general approach.

when encountering

Shifts the focus to encountering something, typically a problem or challenge.

upon arising

Focuses on the action immediately after arising, less about the planning or devising process.

as you approach

Focuses on the act of approaching a situation or task, emphasizing a proactive stance.

while brainstorming

Specifically refers to the activity of brainstorming, indicating an initial idea-generation stage.

in the planning stage

Emphasizes a specific phase: the planning stage of a project or initiative.

during the development phase

Highlights the development phase, usually for projects and creations.

FAQs

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

Use "when coming up" to describe the process of devising, creating, or planning something. For example, "Consider your audience "when coming up" with a marketing strategy."

What are some alternatives to "when coming up"?

Alternatives include "when devising", "while formulating", or "in the process of devising". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "when coming up with" more formal than "when thinking of"?

"When coming up with" generally implies a more deliberate and structured process than "when thinking of". Therefore, it's often perceived as slightly more formal and suitable for professional or academic contexts.

What should I keep in mind "when coming up" with a creative idea?

Focus on brainstorming without judgment, exploring diverse perspectives, and allowing for experimentation. Consider also real-world limitations.