when the time came

USAGE SUMMARY

"when the time came" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase typically implies that a certain expected or anticipated event has occurred in the past and can be used in both fiction and non-fiction writing. For example: "When the time came for the exam, the students felt a wave of anxiety wash over them."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

And when the time came, White delivered.

The Washington Post

They decided differently when the time came".

The New York Times - Magazine

"Guilty, your honor," he said clearly when the time came.

The New York Times

When the time came, Sontag was not ready to die.

The Economist

When the time came, Bartholomew didn't marry, either.

The New Yorker

When the time came on Saturday, he exploded into first.

The New York Times - Sports

But when the time came, his Detroit rasp was ready.

The New York Times - Arts

But when the time came, I couldn't read it out.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Would I 'have an Aston' when the time came?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But when the time came to go home, she refused.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Critics kept writing about it, and, when the time came, started giving it prizes.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add impact to the narrative, immediately follow "when the time came" with the action or consequence that occurred.

Common error

Avoid using "when the time came" too frequently in a single piece of writing, as it can become repetitive. Instead, vary your phrasing with alternatives like "when the moment arrived" or "when the opportunity presented itself".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when the time came" functions as an adverbial clause of time, indicating the specific moment when a particular action or event occurred. This is supported by Ludwig examples where the phrase introduces the main clause describing the action taken.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "when the time came" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to introduce an anticipated event. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability across various writing styles. With a neutral register, it fits well in both formal and informal contexts, predominantly in news and media. To avoid overuse, consider alternatives such as "when the moment arrived" or "when the opportunity presented itself". Use this phrase to build narrative tension and signal key moments in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

when the moment arrived

Replaces "time" with "moment", emphasizing a specific point in time.

when the opportunity presented itself

Focuses on the availability of a chance or opening.

when the day arrived

Substitutes "time" with "day", suitable for events planned on a specific date.

when the occasion arose

Highlights the occurrence of a suitable or special event.

as the moment approached

Shifts the focus to the period leading up to the crucial moment.

upon the arrival of the moment

Emphasizes the reaching of a designated time.

once the appointed time was reached

Formally indicates that a specified time has been attained.

at the designated hour

Refers to a pre-arranged or scheduled time.

as the situation demanded

Highlights a specific need.

in the fullness of time

Implies an eventual or ultimate occurrence.

FAQs

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

You can use "when the time came" to introduce an event that was anticipated or expected. For example, "When the time came to present the project, she felt confident and prepared".

What are some alternatives to "when the time came"?

Some alternatives include "when the moment arrived", "as the moment approached", or "when the opportunity presented itself". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "when the time came" in formal writing?

Yes, "when the time came" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. However, consider using a more sophisticated alternative like "upon the arrival of the moment" in highly formal contexts.

What's the difference between "when the time came" and "at that time"?

"When the time came" implies a specific, often anticipated, moment, while "at that time" is a more general reference to a point in the past. "When the time came, he acted swiftly" suggests a prepared response, whereas "At that time, he was unaware of the danger" simply indicates a past state.