when it begins

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "when it begins" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the starting point of an event or action. Example: "I will let you know when it begins so you can join us."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Play begins at: when it begins at.

The Guardian - Sport

That's when it begins to seem like a living thing".

The New Yorker

"It's when it begins to interfere with daily functioning.

The New York Times

When it begins, King Florestan and his people have everything.

The New Yorker

Each group, when it begins to demand more accountability and a living wage, is discarded.

The New York Times

That's where the world of "Uncle Vanya" is poised when it begins.

The New York Times

The choral line, when it begins, wanders slowly and indecisively, with timpani rumbling ominously underneath.

The New York Times - Arts

When it begins to shimmer, add half of the shallots and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent.

The New York Times - Magazine

Relief is obtained by expelling the gas when it begins to expand the intestinal walls.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Ms. Vallery is scheduled to join the show's national tour when it begins next year.

The New York Times

The book moves into a slower gear when it begins concentrating on individual productions.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "when it begins" to clearly indicate the starting point of a process, event or activity, ensuring temporal clarity in your writing.

Common error

Ensure that the context makes it clear what "it" refers to when using "when it begins". Vague references can confuse the reader. Instead of saying: "The project will launch next week when it begins", say: "The project will launch next week when the testing phase begins".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when it begins" functions as an adverbial clause of time, specifying the point at which an action or event commences. This is supported by Ludwig's analysis, which highlights its use in various sentence structures to introduce temporal context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "when it begins" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to indicate the start of an event or process. As confirmed by Ludwig, it enjoys widespread use across various domains, including news, scientific writing, and general communication. While the phrase is generally appropriate, it's wise to ensure the context clearly defines what "it" refers to, and to vary your phrasing for stylistic impact. Alternatives include "at the start of it" or "as it gets underway", providing writers with options for nuance and clarity. It also is very common.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the moment it starts

Emphasizes a specific point in time as the beginning.

when it commences

A more formal synonym for "begins".

at the start of it

A more straightforward and common way to refer to the beginning.

once it initiates

Similar to "when it commences", but with a slight emphasis on the action.

as it gets underway

Focuses on the process of starting and progressing.

at its commencement

Emphasizes a formal start or initiation.

upon its inception

Highlights the initial establishment or creation.

as it is initiated

Highlights the action of starting something, often formally.

from its launch

Implies a formal initiation or release.

at its dawning

Evokes a sense of a new beginning or era.

FAQs

How can I use "when it begins" in a sentence?

You can use "when it begins" to indicate the commencement of an event or process. For example: "The show will start promptly "when it begins"."

What are some alternatives to "when it begins"?

Alternatives include phrases like "at the start of it", "as it gets underway", or "the moment it starts", depending on the context.

Is it ever incorrect to use "when it begins"?

While grammatically correct, overuse of "when it begins" can make your writing sound repetitive. Consider varying your phrasing for stylistic purposes.

What's the difference between "when it begins" and "when it starts"?

The phrases are largely interchangeable. "When it starts" is slightly more informal, while ""when it begins"" might be perceived as more formal, though both are suitable for general use.