when that happens

USAGE SUMMARY

"when that happens" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a hypothetical situation that might occur in the future. For example: "I will have to adjust my plans when that happens."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Love when that happens.

The New York Times

I hate when that happens.

The New York Times - Books

"It's good when that happens".

The New Yorker

When that happens, reform disappears.

The New York Times

I love when that happens.

The New York Times

Companies change when that happens.

The New York Times

"I hate when that happens," Chip said.

The New Yorker

Sometimes, when that happens, things go wrong.

The New Yorker

And when that happens, it feels weird.

Independent

When that happens, one can become irrational".

The New Yorker

I always hate when that happens.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "when that happens" to clearly indicate a conditional situation and its consequence. This helps create a cause-and-effect relationship in your writing.

Common error

While acceptable in most contexts, avoid overusing "when that happens" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives such as "should that occur" or "in the event that it does".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when that happens" functions as an adverbial clause of time, indicating a condition or event that, upon occurring, triggers a subsequent action or state. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

12%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "when that happens" is a versatile and commonly used phrase that functions as an adverbial clause of time. As Ludwig AI states, it is grammatically correct and appropriate for most contexts. While predominantly found in news and media, it also appears in encyclopedias and wikis. For more formal writing, consider alternatives such as "if that occurs" or "should that happen". Remember to use "when that happens" to clearly link a conditional situation to its consequence, enhancing the clarity of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if that occurs

Replaces "happens" with "occurs", maintaining a formal tone.

if it should happen

Expresses a slightly less probable event.

if that comes to be

Similar to "should that come to pass", but slightly less formal.

should that come to pass

Emphasizes a hypothetical situation with a more literary tone.

in the event that it does

Adds a layer of formality and conditionality.

once that comes about

Focuses on the completion of an event before something else occurs.

if it unfolds that way

Emphasizes the process of an event happening.

when it transpires

Replaces "happens" with "transpires", adding a formal and somewhat mysterious tone.

when it materializes

Focuses on the realization or appearance of something.

in such a case

Offers a more concise and general way to refer to a hypothetical situation.

FAQs

How can I use "when that happens" in a sentence?

Use "when that happens" to introduce a consequence following a specific event or situation. For instance, "When that happens, we will need to reassess our strategy."

What are some alternatives to "when that happens"?

Alternatives include "if that occurs", "in the event that", or "should that happen", depending on the level of formality required.

Is "when that happens" formal or informal?

"When that happens" is generally considered neutral and can be used in most contexts. However, more formal options might be preferred in academic or professional writing.

What's the difference between "when that happens" and "if that happens"?

While similar, "when that happens" implies a higher likelihood of the event occurring compared to "if that happens". "When" suggests an expectation, whereas "if" presents a conditional possibility.