when departing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "when departing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a specific time or action related to leaving or going away from a place. Example: "Please remember to return your key card when departing from the hotel."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

The new President eulogized him at the Capitol and wept when departing the Rotunda.

The New Yorker

When departing after a business meeting, say "Arrivederci" and again shake hands.

The Economist

We did not receive a hello upon entering or a goodbye when departing.

The New York Times

Successful managers – Steve Paterson, Craig Brewster, John Robertson, Terry Butcher – have never succeeded when departing for bigger clubs.

The Guardian - Sport

They must deposit their life jackets on the shore when landing, in the white canvas bags provided, and put them back on when departing.

The New Yorker

The Grade I listed Magazine was originally a gate into Leicester's medieval fortifications, and King Richard III rode beneath the gateway's arch when departing for his final battle.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

But Moyes became the the English Premier League's 10th casualty when departed Manchester United on Tuesday.

BBC

On 9 July Suffren became flagship of the squadron when departed for a refit at Toulon.

Wikipedia

Employees should be treated as well when they depart as when they were hired, she adds.

The New York Times

The three explorers were fêted when they departed and mourned by the nation when they disappeared.

Wikipedia

When I departed, Sam was reading Proust.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "when departing" to clearly indicate a specific action or condition that occurs at the time of leaving. For example, "Ensure all devices are powered off when departing the aircraft."

Common error

Avoid using "while departing" if you intend to specify an action occurring precisely at the moment of departure. "When departing" is more accurate for this purpose, whereas "while departing" suggests an action that takes place during the journey or the act of leaving over a period of time.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when departing" functions as an adverbial clause of time, modifying a verb in the main clause by specifying when an action takes place. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples, demonstrating its role in setting a temporal context for an event.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

21%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "when departing" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase that functions as an adverbial clause of time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's employed to specify the timing of an action in relation to leaving a place or situation. The phrase is versatile, fitting well in both neutral and formal contexts, and it's widely used across news, informational, and scientific domains. Remember to use "when departing" to pinpoint actions happening precisely at the moment of departure, differentiating it from "while departing", which implies an action occurring during the process of leaving.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

upon departure

This phrase uses a more formal noun to indicate the moment of leaving.

on leaving

This is a gerund phrase, emphasizing the action of leaving.

as one leaves

This phrase provides a more descriptive and contextual way of expressing the action of departing.

at the time of departure

This option provides a more specific and formal reference to the moment of leaving.

upon exiting

This phrase is often used for leaving a building or vehicle.

as you go

This is a more casual and general way to indicate leaving.

before your leave

This phrase refers to the time leading up to the act of leaving.

in the process of leaving

This alternative emphasizes the act of leaving as a procedure.

at the point of exit

This phrase provides a very specific reference to leaving.

with the act of separation

This option is a more conceptual and formal way of describing departure.

FAQs

How can I use "when departing" in a sentence?

You can use "when departing" to describe actions or conditions that should occur as someone leaves a place. For example, "Please ensure you have all your belongings "when departing" the train."

What's a formal alternative to "when departing"?

A more formal alternative to "when departing" is "upon departure", which is often used in official announcements or written communications.

Is there a difference between "when departing" and "after departing"?

"When departing" refers to the immediate moment of leaving, while "after departing" refers to a time period that begins once someone has already left. The choice depends on whether you're emphasizing the action at the point of departure or actions that happen subsequently.

Can I use "when leaving" instead of "when departing"?

Yes, "when leaving" is a suitable alternative to "when departing", and it is often used in more informal contexts. "When departing" tends to be slightly more formal.