when the

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "when the" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a specific time, situation, or event. For example: "When the sun rose, the sky was filled with colors of pink and orange."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

When the Pres.

The New Yorker

When the bldg.

The New Yorker

When the Chineke!

Independent

When the I.T.T.F.

The New York Times - Sports

When the next d.j.j

The New Yorker

When the Prop.

The New Yorker

When the sun's strong".

The New Yorker

When the organization's C.E.O.

The New York Times

When the Q.I.O.

The New York Times

"When the time comes".

The New York Times

When the N.F.C.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "when the" to clearly indicate a specific time or condition that triggers a subsequent action or state. For example, "When the bell rings, students should proceed to the next class."

Common error

Ensure that the clause introduced by "when the" clearly and unambiguously refers to a specific event or time. Avoid vagueness that could lead to misinterpretations. For example, instead of saying "When it's ready", specify "When the dish is cooked."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when the" functions as a temporal conjunction, introducing a dependent clause that specifies the time at which the main clause's action occurs. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in initiating such clauses. The examples provided illustrate its role in setting a timeframe or condition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Academia

8%

Encyclopedias

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "when the" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to introduce temporal clauses, as validated by Ludwig. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for diverse contexts, primarily appearing in news and media sources. As illustrated by Ludwig, "when the" clearly establishes a timeframe or condition for subsequent events. To ensure clarity, it's best to avoid vagueness when using this phrase. Based on the many examples, "when the" is a valuable tool for expressing time-related connections.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the time that

Replaces "when" with a more formal expression indicating a specific point in time.

the moment that

Similar to "as soon as", emphasizing the immediacy.

as soon as the

Highlights the immediacy of the subsequent action.

while the

Indicates simultaneous actions or states.

after the

Indicates a sequence of events.

during the period that

Emphasizes the duration of the time frame.

on the day that

Specifies a particular day.

in the event that

Focuses on a conditional situation rather than a time.

if and when the

Expresses uncertainty about the occurrence of the event.

upon the occasion that

A more formal and less common way to express "when".

FAQs

How can I use "when the" in a sentence?

Use "when the" to introduce a dependent clause that specifies the time or condition under which something else occurs. For example, "When the rain stops, we will go outside."

What are some alternatives to using "when the"?

Alternatives include "at the time that", "as soon as the", or "during the period that", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to start a sentence with "when the"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to start a sentence with "when the". However, ensure that the main clause follows to complete the thought. For example, "When the opportunity arises, seize it."

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

"When the" indicates a specific time or condition, whereas "if the" introduces a hypothetical condition. "When the sun sets" refers to a recurring event, while "If the sun shines" presents a conditional scenario.