when the time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "when the time" is a grammatically correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to refer to a specific point in time or an entitled period of time, for example: "When the time comes, I will decide how to proceed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"When the time comes".

The New York Times

"When the time is right".

The New Yorker

We'll definitely retaliate when the time comes".

The New York Times

They decided differently when the time came".

The New York Times - Magazine

When the time comes for what?

The Guardian - Tech

"And you when the time comes".

The New York Times - Books

"When the time comes, be kind".

The New York Times

He'll assess it when the time comes.

The New York Times - Sports

Let's see when the time comes.

The New York Times

When the time is right, I'll know.

The Guardian - Sport

"When the time is right we build".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "when the time" to create a sense of anticipation or readiness for a future event or action. It's especially effective when the exact timing is uncertain but the expectation is clear.

Common error

Ensure that the reader understands what event or situation "when the time" refers to. Without context, the phrase can be vague and lose its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when the time" functions as an adverbial clause of time, introducing a condition that must be met before the main clause can occur. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a standard and grammatically correct construction in English, used to set up future actions or events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "when the time" functions as an adverbial clause indicating a future moment or condition. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and widely used. It commonly appears in various contexts, including News & Media and Wiki, expressing anticipation or readiness. While generally neutral in tone, clarity is essential to avoid ambiguity. Remember to provide context for "when the time" to maintain clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

when the moment arrives

Focuses on the arrival of a specific, anticipated point in time.

at the crucial moment

Implies a decisive point where the outcome is significantly affected.

when the opportunity arises

Highlights a chance to do something, often implying a limited window.

at the appointed hour

This alternative emphasizes scheduling and precision in timing.

at the designated time

Indicates a time that has been officially chosen or indicated.

at the appropriate juncture

Suggests a fitting or suitable point for action or decision.

once the occasion presents itself

Highlights the occurrence of a favorable or opportune event.

in due course

Suggests that something will happen at a suitable or expected time in the future.

as the situation unfolds

Emphasizes a gradual progression towards a specific set of circumstances.

upon the occurrence

Focuses on something that happens or exists.

FAQs

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

You can use "when the time" to indicate a future event or action contingent on a specific moment. For example, "When the time comes, I will be ready".

What is a good alternative to "when the time"?

Alternatives include phrases like "when the moment arrives", "at the appropriate time", or "in due course", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "when the time will come"?

While grammatically understandable, "when the time will come" can be redundant. It's generally more concise and idiomatic to simply say "when the time comes".

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

"When the time" implies an expectation that a specific moment will arrive, whereas "if the time" suggests a condition that may or may not occur. "When the time" indicates anticipation, while "if the time" indicates uncertainty.