when it suits them

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "when it suits them" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone acts in a way that is convenient or beneficial for them at a particular time. Example: "They only show up to meetings when it suits them, leaving the rest of us to handle the workload."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And they play this card when it suits them.

The Economist

But that policy is applied only when it suits them.

The Economist

And a very long memory when it suits them.

The Guardian - Opinion

They'll hide behind science when it suits them," he said.

The Guardian

They focus on women's rights and feminism when it suits them.

Independent

And the banks can pay it back when it suits them.

The Economist

In addition, like the PRI, the traditional unions can be flexible enough when it suits them.

The Economist

Both the government and the opposition have played the race card when it suits them.

The Economist

To this day the islanders see themselves as Norsemen, at least when it suits them.

The Economist

They only kvetch about job losses when it suits them politically.

The New York Times

"My simple point is that it's an argument about returns when it suits them, and it's an argument about politics when it suits them".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "when it suits them" to highlight opportunistic or self-serving behavior in a clear and concise manner. It is effective in both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While useful, "when it suits them" can become repetitive. Vary your language by using alternatives like "when it benefits them" or "at their convenience" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when it suits them" functions as an adverbial clause of time, modifying a verb or clause. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase indicates the timing of an action is contingent on the subject's convenience or advantage. It adds a condition based on personal benefit.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

84%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "when it suits them" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate that an action is performed only when it is convenient or beneficial for the actor. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it functions as an adverbial clause of time. It's common in news and media, with neutral register, though more formal alternatives exist for professional contexts. Use this phrase to clearly convey opportunistic or self-serving behavior, but avoid overuse by varying your language with synonyms like "when it benefits them". The examples from Ludwig highlight its wide applicability across various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

when it benefits them

Focuses on the advantage gained.

when it's convenient for them

Emphasizes ease and lack of difficulty.

when it's to their advantage

Highlights the beneficial outcome.

when it works for them

Focuses on practicality and effectiveness.

when it pleases them

Emphasizes personal satisfaction.

when they see fit

Highlights their discretion and judgment.

when the time is right for them

Focuses on opportune timing.

as they see fit

Highlights their own judgment.

at their convenience

Emphasizes their schedule and preferences.

on their own terms

Highlights their conditions and control.

FAQs

What does "when it suits them" mean?

It means someone does something only when it is convenient or advantageous for them, often implying a degree of self-interest.

How can I use "when it suits them" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe actions that are taken based on personal convenience or benefit, such as, "They only offer assistance "when it suits them"."

What can I say instead of "when it suits them"?

You can use alternatives like "when it benefits them", "at their convenience", or "on their own terms" depending on the context.

Is "when it suits them" formal or informal?

It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though slightly more formal alternatives like "at their convenience" may be preferred in very formal writing.