when done

USAGE SUMMARY

"when done" is a grammatically correct phrase that is commonly used in written English.
You can use it when indicating that an action has been accomplished or when setting a timeline for when something is expected to be completed. For example: "I will send the report when done."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Release when done.

The New York Times - Travel

Skating, when done properly, requires absolute concentration.

The New York Times - Health

When done smartly, yes.

TechCrunch

When done poorly?

Forbes

Save fat when done.

Los Angeles Times

Replace everything when done.

Huffington Post

But when done correctly?

Huffington Post

Rinse when done.

Huffington Post

Rinse off when done.

WikiHow

Tap "OK" when done.

WikiHow

When done click "translate".

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "when done" to clearly indicate the completion of a step before proceeding to the next, especially in instructional contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "when done" if the completion point is ambiguous. Ensure it's clear what task needs to be finished before the subsequent action is taken.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "when done" is to introduce an adverbial clause of time, indicating the point at which an action is completed. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. It sets a temporal condition for another action to occur.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

52%

News & Media

42%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "when done" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase functioning as an adverbial clause of time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is considered grammatically correct. It serves to indicate that a subsequent action should occur upon the completion of a preceding one, making it particularly useful in instructional or sequential contexts. While its register is generally neutral, more formal alternatives like "upon completion" exist for specialized writing needs. With its common usage across platforms like WikiHow and news outlets, understanding its function and alternatives is crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

once finished

This alternative is very similar but uses "finished" instead of "done", implying a completed state.

as soon as it's completed

This adds a sense of urgency, emphasizing the immediacy of the next action after finishing.

upon completion

This alternative provides a more formal tone, emphasizing the moment of finishing the task.

on finishing

Similar to 'after completing', but uses a gerund form, making it slightly more concise.

after completing

This phrase specifies the action of completing something, adding a bit more detail.

having completed

This option utilizes a perfect participle, stressing that the action has been finished before something else occurs.

subsequent to completion

This alternative is highly formal and emphasizes the sequence of events after the task is complete.

post completion

A concise alternative emphasizing the time after the task has ended.

at the end

This phrase is more general, referring to the conclusion of any activity, not necessarily a specific task.

when all is said and done

This idiomatic expression implies a final assessment after all actions are complete and considered.

FAQs

How to use "when done" in a sentence?

You can use "when done" to indicate that an action should be taken after a previous action has been completed. For example, "Clean the dishes, and "dry them when done"".

What can I say instead of "when done"?

You can use alternatives like "once finished", "upon completion", or "after completing" depending on the context.

Is "when done" formal or informal?

"When done" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal writing, you might prefer alternatives like "upon completion".

What's the difference between "when done" and "when finished"?

While "when done" and "when finished" are often interchangeable, "when finished" might subtly emphasize the completed state, while "when done" focuses on the action of doing or performing a task. Both are grammatically correct and widely accepted.