when for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "when for" is not correct or usable in written English.
It does not make sense in any context.

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

(This can happen when, for example, two transcripts represent alternative splice variants of the same gene).

Genetics

"Since when?" "For some time now.

The New Yorker

"Like when, for instance?" Mizuki asked.

The New Yorker

He can also define how the bikes respond when, for example, one runs into another.

The New York Times - Magazine

Many parents agonize over when, for maximum effectiveness, thank-you notes should go out.

The New York Times

She's altogether less remarkable when, for example, tipping her pelvis and shoulders on shifting diagonals.

The New York Times - Arts

This "smart pill" sends an electrical signal when, for example, it is swallowed by a patient.

The Economist

"For some clubs it's Saturday-Sunday when for us it's Sunday-Saturday.

Independent

(The time when, for example, new, bad, unemployment numbers come out).

The New Yorker

That's when, for reasons unknown to me, things started to turn around.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

When for the friction-free indenter, Eq. (3) can be simplified as.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "when for" in your writing. It is grammatically incorrect and can confuse readers. Instead, use "when" followed by a clause or rephrase your sentence for clarity.

Common error

Don't add "for" after "when" unless it's part of a longer, grammatically correct construction. Using "when for" creates an awkward and incorrect phrasing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when for" is grammatically incorrect and does not serve a clear function in standard English. Ludwig AI indicates that it does not make sense in any context. Although Ludwig provides examples where the words "when" and "for" appear close together, they do not form a cohesive or correct phrase.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "when for" is generally considered grammatically incorrect in English. Ludwig AI confirms this, stating that it "is not correct or usable in written English." While the individual words "when" and "for" are common, their combination in this specific order is not standard. Instead, use ""when"" followed by a clause or rephrase your sentence. Avoid using "when for" to maintain clarity and grammatical correctness in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

when

Omits the preposition "for", resulting in a grammatically correct conjunction indicating time.

for when

Reverses the order of the words, slightly changing the emphasis but remaining ungrammatical.

for the time when

Adds specificity to the timeframe, making it more descriptive.

at the time when

Specifies a particular moment in time as the condition.

during the period when

Emphasizes a duration of time during which something occurs.

in situations when

Focuses on specific circumstances under which something happens.

on occasions when

Highlights recurring instances or events.

at moments when

Emphasizes brief instances in time.

under circumstances where

Shifts the focus to the conditions surrounding an event.

in instances where

Highlights individual occurrences.

FAQs

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

Use "when" followed by a complete clause (subject + verb + object). For example, "The trouble started last year, "when", for the first time, Burning Man tickets sold out."

What phrases can replace the incorrect "when for"?

Instead of "when for", you can simply use ""when"", "at the time when", or rephrase the sentence to avoid the issue altogether.

Is "when for" ever grammatically correct?

No, the phrase "when for" is generally considered grammatically incorrect in standard English. It's best to avoid using it.

How does using "when for" affect the clarity of my writing?

Using "when for" can make your writing sound awkward and unprofessional. It's important to use correct grammar to ensure clear communication.