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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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when it's done

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Which is when it's done.

"When it's done it's done.

News & Media

The New Yorker

When it's done.

What will you do when it's done?

When it's done you feel really good".

News & Media

The Guardian

When it's done right, it's funny.

"It will be done when it's done".

How does he know when it's done?

News & Media

The New York Times

It should be cool when it's done.

That is, when it's done correctly.

News & Media

The New York Times

I will when it's done and dusted.

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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing instructions, place "when it's done" at the beginning of a sentence to emphasize the sequence of events, making it clear what happens after completion.

Common error

Avoid using "when it's done" as a vague placeholder for deadlines. Always provide specific timeframes or criteria for completion alongside it to avoid uncertainty and ensure accountability.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

78%

Authority and reliability

4.1/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when it's done" functions as an adverbial clause of time, specifying when a particular action or event will occur. It sets a temporal condition dependent on the completion of a preceding action or process. As Ludwig suggests, it's a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

34%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "when it's done" is a versatile phrase functioning as an adverbial clause of time, widely used to sequence actions based on completion. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts, including news, general instructions and academic writing. While generally neutral in register, formal alternatives like "upon completion" may be preferred in professional settings. Remember to follow best practices by clearly indicating what needs to be completed, and avoid vagueness by providing specific criteria or timeframes. By taking into account this usage guidance, you can confidently and effectively incorporate "when it's done" in your writing.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "when it's done" to sound more formal?

In more formal contexts, you could use phrases like "upon completion", "once completed", or "subsequent to completion" to convey a similar meaning with a more professional tone.

What's a more casual alternative to "when it's done"?

For informal situations, consider using alternatives such as "once it's ready", "after it's finished", or simply "when it's ready".

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "when it's done"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to start a sentence with "when it's done". It introduces a dependent clause that sets a condition for the main clause. For example, "When it's done, the application will automatically close."

How does "when it's done" differ from "if it's done"?

"When it's done" implies a higher degree of certainty about the completion of the action, focusing on the timing after the completion. "If it's done" suggests uncertainty about whether the action will be completed at all, focusing on a conditional scenario.

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Source & Trust

78%

Authority and reliability

4.1/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: