when it was relevant

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "when it was relevant" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a time or situation in the past when something had significance or importance. Example: "I remember discussing the topic in detail when it was relevant to our project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

I think we will miss what it was at a time when it was relevant.

The Guardian - Business

I mentioned race or ethnicity – including that of white characters – when it was relevant to the story.

The Guardian - Books

Coll: Journalism has failed to report and uncover any of this during the time that it was happening and when it was relevant to the country.

Columbia University

And don't think, "Did that happen because I'm a woman?" Feminism doesn't have a particularly constructive image, although I think there was time when it was relevant.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

By re-joining the conversation when it was relevant and engaging with the community, we were invited to a wedding and have gained a heap of additional content we had not initially planned for.

The Guardian

I think there has been at least one story online about the fact that in "Prometheus," when it was relevant, she encouraged the makeup artist to add more blood, more sweat, more dirt — she didn't want to look pretty for her big-ordeal scenes.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

We should refer to adoptive status only when it's relevant and the relevance is clear, which was not the case here.

The New York Times

Once you're accepted, you can periodically link back to your website or any of its landing pages when it's relevant.

HuffPost

And it's the same with visual art - people will go when it's relevant.

The Guardian - Arts

On the contrary, what instincts do is to constrain the role of experience, in terms of both what is relevant and when it is relevant.

The New York Times - Books

I only mention my relationships when it's relevant to mental health, and when I've had permission.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "when it was relevant" to specify a past time when something held importance or significance. Be clear about what 'it' refers to in your sentence to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "when it was relevant" without clearly specifying what 'it' refers to. Ensure the subject is clear to avoid confusion for the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when it was relevant" functions as an adverbial clause of time, modifying a main clause by specifying the time frame during which something was pertinent or significant. Ludwig examples show its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "when it was relevant" is a useful adverbial clause of time that serves to provide temporal context, indicating that something held importance or significance during a specific period in the past. Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples reveals that the phrase is grammatically correct, with the analysis indicating its common use across various contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and academic writing. It is crucial to ensure clarity by specifying what 'it' refers to, which will increase the chance of using it correctly. While various alternatives exist, they each carry slightly different nuances, and as showed by Ludwig it's important to be aware of the purpose, as well as the context to make sure you are using "when it was relevant" in the most efficient way.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the time it mattered

Focuses on the importance of the timing.

when it held significance

Highlights the importance or consequence.

during its period of applicability

Emphasizes the suitability for a specific use or situation.

when it was applicable

Highlights its readiness and appropriateness.

in its heyday

Refers to a period of peak popularity or success.

when it was pertinent

Stresses the direct relation to the matter at hand.

back when it counted

Emphasizes the time that had an effect.

when it had bearing

Focuses on its influence or effect on something.

while it was timely

Highlights the opportune or appropriate timing.

in its relevant time frame

Refers to the specific time frame of relevance.

FAQs

How can I use "when it was relevant" in a sentence?

Use "when it was relevant" to specify a past time when something held importance or significance. For example: "I remember discussing the topic in detail "when it was relevant" to our project".

What can I say instead of "when it was relevant"?

You can use alternatives like "at the time it mattered", "when it held significance", or "during its period of applicability" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "when it is relevant" instead of "when it was relevant"?

The choice between "when it is relevant" and "when it was relevant" depends on the time frame you're referring to. Use "when it is relevant" for present or future relevance, and "when it was relevant" for past relevance.

What's the difference between "when it was relevant" and "when it was applicable"?

"When it was relevant" implies that something had significance or importance in the past, while "when it was applicable" suggests something was suitable or appropriate for a specific use or situation in the past. Relevance focuses on importance; applicability focuses on suitability.