when discovering

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "when discovering" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a specific time or condition during the act of finding out or learning something new. Example: "When discovering new information, it is important to verify its accuracy before sharing it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

Besides, even the snootiest waiters have been known to soften up when discovering that newlyweds are in the restaurant.

The New York Times - Travel

Ewan MacColl was one of the first singers I came across when discovering folk, when I was about 25.

The Guardian - Music

Regardless of whether you follow the repurchase effect, you should emulate the attitude that researchers took when discovering it.

The New York Times

When discovering that the evil Padre Damaso is the illicit father of Maria Clara, Juan earnestly sings, "My love, you are truly holy".

The New York Times - Arts

He also has to wince a lot when confronted by local customs he finds baffling, or when discovering how creatively his words are being translated into Japanese.

The New York Times

"I do think about the age of my readers," he said, recalling his surprise when discovering that 14-year-olds were reading Birdsong.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

"When discovered, the mistake was immediately corrected.

The New York Times

When discovered, he lied".

The New York Times

Their malignant potential requires their removal when discovered during colonoscopy.

Gastroentérologie Clinique et Biologique

When discovered, it appeared to be perfectly uniform.

The Economist

No two coins were touching one another when discovered.

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "when discovering" with active verbs to add immediacy and impact to your writing. Instead of "an error was found", use "when discovering the error".

Common error

Avoid stacking multiple clauses starting with "when", including "when discovering". This can create convoluted sentences. Break them down for clarity. Instead of "When discovering that X, and when realizing Y, then Z happens", simplify to "After discovering X and realizing Y, Z happens".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when discovering" functions as a temporal adverbial clause, setting the context or condition under which the main clause's action occurs. Ludwig AI confirms that it is correct and usable in English. It specifies the time at which something is found out or learned.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "when discovering" serves as a temporal adverbial clause, commonly used to establish a conditional or temporal relationship, as supported by Ludwig AI. It is versatile across contexts, although more formal settings might prefer "upon discovering". Its frequency is categorized as common, with prominent usage in News & Media and Science, emphasizing its relevance in reporting findings and research outcomes. To maximize clarity, avoid overuse in overly complex sentences. Using this guide helps ensure you are utilizing "when discovering" correctly and effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

upon discovering

Formal alternative that emphasizes the immediacy of the discovery.

on discovering

Slightly less formal than "upon discovering" but still emphasizes the timing.

while discovering

Focuses on the process of discovery rather than a specific moment.

as you discover

Shifts focus to the reader or listener and their experience of learning.

in the process of discovering

Emphasizes the ongoing nature of the discovery process.

after discovering

Highlights the state or actions that follow the discovery.

once you discover

Emphasizes the condition or consequence of making the discovery.

on the occasion of discovering

A very formal and less common way to express the timing of a discovery.

at the point of discovering

Highlights the specific moment when the discovery occurs.

in discovering

More concise way of expressing the condition during discovery.

FAQs

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

"When discovering" introduces a clause that specifies the timing or condition under which something occurs. For example, "When discovering new evidence, consult with legal counsel".

What are some alternatives to "when discovering"?

Alternatives include "upon discovering", "on discovering", or "while discovering", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to use "when discovering" or "after discovering"?

The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the timing concurrent with the discovery ("when discovering") or the state that follows the discovery ("after discovering").

Can "when discovering" be used at the beginning of a sentence?

Yes, "when discovering" can effectively start a sentence to introduce a condition. For example, "When discovering a problem, follow the established protocol".