when it drips

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "when it drips" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in contexts where you are describing an action or event that occurs during the dripping of a liquid. Example: "The paint will change color when it drips onto the canvas."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

That defense gets even stronger late in the shot clock: When it drips to under four seconds, Houston is one of the four best teams in the league at limiting scoring efficiency, according to data provided by Synergy Sports.

The Washington Post

Use an old towel because it stains when it drips.

WikiHow

The icing is ready when it drips in long strings from a fork.

WikiHow

The syrup is done when it drips off your stirrer in a stream (like syrup should).

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

We grilled steaks and the fat flamed when it dripped onto the coals.

Forbes

Residents fear that instead of crime and corruption, the city will be associated with Nickelback. 5. (D) A key component of "When It Starts Dripping From the Ceiling" is the fake puddle of water on the floor.

The New York Times

Using a theoretical model, the scientists calculated the forces acting on water when it is dripped onto an oil surface.

Science Magazine

Rebate Coupons/Water Efficient Technologies to encourage the purchase of items that help reduce water use: pool covers to reduce evaporation; rain sensors to cut garden watering when it rains; drip-irrigation systems; low-flow toilets….

City, Territory and Architecture

"You're on it, but it's not dripping when it has to drip".

The New York Times

A weak electric bulb will throw a dull light over the plank-raftered ceilings above that leak when it rains and drip condensation when it doesn't.

The Guardian

The goo is gooey enough when it starts to drip through your fingers after you form it into a ball.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "when it drips" to clearly indicate a conditional action or event that is directly linked to the act of dripping. This emphasizes the timing and cause-and-effect relationship between the dripping and the subsequent occurrence.

Common error

Avoid using "when it drips" if the action is not directly and immediately caused by the dripping. For example, don't say "the clock strikes noon when it drips", unless the dripping directly triggers the clock.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when it drips" functions as an adverbial clause of time, modifying the main clause by specifying when an action or event takes place. This is supported by Ludwig, which shows usage in contexts describing a condition tied to dripping.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Wiki

32%

Science

36%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "when it drips" is a grammatically sound phrase functioning as an adverbial clause of time, used to specify a temporal relationship between dripping and another event. As shown by Ludwig, the phrase is considered correct. Its use isn't particularly common, but is found across multiple contexts, notably in news, wiki, and science-related content. For alternatives, "as it drips" or "during dripping" offer simpler and equally effective ways to express the same idea. When using "when it drips", ensure the subsequent action is directly and logically linked to the dripping event.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as it drips

Focuses on the action happening concurrently with the dripping.

during dripping

Emphasizes the time period in which dripping occurs.

while it is dripping

Highlights the ongoing nature of the dripping action.

at the moment of dripping

Specifies a particular instant when the drip occurs.

upon its dripping

A more formal way to describe something happening directly after dripping.

when a drip occurs

Focuses on the event of a single drip.

as it trickles

Describes a small, slow flow instead of a drip.

the instant it drips

Highlights immediacy, focusing on the exact moment of dripping.

upon dripping

Highlights more formal usage.

concurrent with dripping

Indicates that something occurs simultaneously with the act of dripping.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "when it drips" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you could use phrases like "upon its dripping" or "at the moment of dripping". These alternatives emphasize the precise timing of the dripping action.

What's a simpler way to say "when it drips"?

Simpler alternatives include "as it drips" or "during dripping", which are both more concise and easily understood.

Is it ever incorrect to use the phrase "when it drips"?

The phrase "when it drips" is generally correct, but avoid using it if the action described is not directly and immediately related to the dripping action itself. Ensure the dripping is the clear trigger for the event.

Can I use "if it drips" instead of "when it drips"?

Using "if it drips" implies a condition that may or may not happen, whereas "when it drips" suggests that dripping is expected to occur at some point. The choice depends on whether the dripping is hypothetical or anticipated.