when it comes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "when it comes" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a statement that follows and is related to the previous statement. For example: "Exercise is important for our health; when it comes to staying in shape, I go to the gym every morning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

RACE matters when it comes to wealth.

The Economist

He trains when it comes to him.

The New Yorker

"Except when it comes to sweets.

The New Yorker

And when it comes to the budget?

The New York Times

Especially when it comes to real estate.

The New York Times

Except when it comes time to applaud.

The New York Times - Arts

Especially when it comes to modernism.

The New York Times

Especially when it comes to fava beans.

The New York Times

But when it comes to alcohol, no.

The New York Times

Competition, when it comes, is expensive.

The New York Times

Particularly when it comes to spending pledges.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "when it comes" to smoothly transition to a specific aspect or area of consideration within a broader topic. It helps to narrow the focus and provide clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "when it comes" excessively in formal writing; opt for more sophisticated transitions like "regarding", "concerning", or "with respect to" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when it comes" functions as a prepositional phrase introducing a specific topic or aspect under consideration. It provides a context or focus for the subsequent statement. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Wiki

22%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "when it comes" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to introduce a specific aspect or topic within a broader discussion. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is perfectly acceptable in written English. While widely used and understood, its informality may make it less suitable for academic or formal business contexts, where alternatives like "regarding" or "with respect to" might be more appropriate. It's frequency makes it easy to find in a variety of sources, but take care in more formal context to choose a different alternative. Use it to guide the reader to a specific element and make it stand out.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in terms of

This alternative focuses on specific aspects or criteria being considered.

regarding

This alternative is a more formal and concise way to introduce a specific topic.

concerning

This alternative offers a more direct and slightly formal way to introduce a topic.

in relation to

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the connection between two subjects.

with respect to

This alternative is a formal way to specify a particular aspect or viewpoint.

when considering

This alternative explicitly mentions the act of considering a specific subject.

as regards

This alternative is a more formal and less common way to say "regarding".

on the subject of

This alternative emphasizes the topic being discussed.

as for

This alternative is often used to shift the topic to a new subject.

in the matter of

This alternative is a formal phrase used to introduce a specific issue or topic.

FAQs

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

Use "when it comes" to introduce a specific topic or aspect you are about to discuss, often after a more general statement. For example, "Exercise is important, but "when it comes to diet", many people struggle".

What are some alternatives to "when it comes"?

You can use alternatives such as "regarding", "concerning", "with respect to", or "in terms of", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it appropriate to use "when it comes" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "when it comes" might be perceived as informal in certain contexts. Consider using more formal alternatives like "with regard to" or "in relation to" for academic or business writing.

What's the difference between "when it comes" and "regarding"?

"When it comes" is a more conversational phrase, whereas "regarding" is more concise and formal. "When it comes" often introduces a more detailed or specific aspect of a broader topic.