when that day comes

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of a sentence "when that day comes" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is likely to happen in the future. For example, "I hope when that day comes, I'll have saved enough money for a down payment on a house."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

When that day comes is, of course, unclear.

The New York Times

When that day comes, we'll both know it.

The New York Times - Sports

When that day comes, there will be much rejoicing.

The New York Times - Tech

When that day comes, please do what you can to help them".

The New York Times

If and when that day comes, you won't hear me complain about it".

The New York Times - Sports

Canedy believes "there will be no easy answers" when that day comes.

The New York Times - Books

I will know when that day comes for me and I'll be sad.

The Guardian - Sport

And when that day comes, it might just change how we view our shopping habits online.

The Guardian - Tech

I'm just not sure how many of us will still be around when that day comes.

The Guardian

"When that day comes, I'll have more than enough to give you.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Which will be your choice when that day comes--cremation or burial?

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "when that day comes" to set a tone of anticipation or preparedness for a future event, often one that is significant or potentially transformative. It is effective for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "when that day comes" in situations where the timing of the event is already known or imminent. It's best suited for events that are anticipated but not yet certain.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when that day comes" functions as an adverbial clause of time, modifying the main clause by specifying when the action in that clause will occur. Ludwig confirms this usage, showing it in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "when that day comes" functions as an adverbial clause of time, expressing anticipation or readiness for a future event. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It is primarily found in news and media, with a neutral register suitable for various contexts. For alternative phrasing, consider ""when the time is right"" or ""if and when that happens"" to vary your expression. Use this phrase to effectively convey expectation and planned actions contingent upon a future occurrence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

once that day is here

Simple and direct rephrasing of the original phrase.

if and when that happens

Adds a conditional aspect, acknowledging the possibility that the event may not occur.

when the moment arrives

Emphasizes the arrival of a significant moment or opportunity.

should that day ever arrive

Introduces a more formal and somewhat uncertain tone.

when the time is right

Focuses on the appropriateness of timing rather than a specific event.

in the event that day arrives

More formal alternative that emphasizes the contingency of the event.

upon that day's arrival

Presents a more literary or formal way of expressing the occurrence of the day.

when the occasion presents itself

Highlights the availability of an opportunity.

at that future juncture

Emphasizes a specific point in the future.

come what may on that day

Emphasizes acceptance of the unpredictable events that could happen.

FAQs

How can I use "when that day comes" in a sentence?

You can use "when that day comes" to refer to a future event that you anticipate or are preparing for. For example, "When that day comes, I will be ready to celebrate".

What are some alternatives to "when that day comes"?

Alternatives include phrases like "when the time is right", "when the moment arrives", or "if and when that happens", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

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

Yes, "when that day comes" can be used in formal writing, although alternatives like "in the event that day arrives" might be preferred for a more elevated tone. The suitability depends on the overall style and context of the piece.

What's the difference between "when that day comes" and "once that day is here"?

While both phrases refer to a future event, "when that day comes" implies a sense of anticipation or preparation, whereas "once that day is here" simply denotes the arrival of the specified day, with less emphasis on the lead-up.