when the time comes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "when the time comes" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that may happen in the future, or when speaking about something that is expected to occur. For example: "I will help you with the presentation when the time comes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"When the time comes".

The New York Times

We'll definitely retaliate when the time comes".

The New York Times

When the time comes, it comes!

The Guardian

And when the time comes, many don't.

The New York Times

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 comes, it will come to you.

Cornell University

We will update the table when the time comes.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "when the time comes" to create a sense of anticipation or readiness for a future event. It can imply that preparations are underway or that a decision is being deferred until the appropriate moment.

Common error

While "when the time comes" is a useful phrase, avoid overusing it in your writing. Vary your language with alternatives like "eventually", "in due course", or "at the appropriate moment" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when the time comes" functions as an adverbial clause of time, modifying the main clause by specifying when an action or event will occur. It provides a temporal context for the main clause, indicating that something will happen at a future point. Ludwig AI confirms the proper use of the phrase, it provides several examples where it is employed in the same sense.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "when the time comes" is a versatile and widely used adverbial clause indicating a future event or decision point. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and serves to defer action or decision-making until the appropriate moment. Its neutral register and common usage across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media, Academia and Wiki, make it a valuable addition to any writer's toolkit. Remember to use it judiciously and consider alternatives like "at the appropriate juncture" or "in due course" to avoid overuse and maintain reader engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

when the moment arrives

This alternative focuses on the arrival of a specific moment, emphasizing its importance.

at the right time

This is a simpler and more direct way of expressing the idea of something happening when it is most suitable.

in due course

This suggests that something will happen eventually and at the expected time.

when the opportunity presents itself

This highlights the need for a suitable opportunity before action can be taken.

at the appropriate juncture

This is a more formal way of indicating a suitable point in time for something to occur.

when the occasion arises

This alternative emphasizes that something will happen only if a specific opportunity or situation presents itself.

as the situation unfolds

This suggests a more gradual process, with actions being taken as events progress.

in the fullness of time

This suggests that something will happen when the conditions are completely ready, often implying a longer wait.

at the appointed hour

This emphasizes a pre-arranged or scheduled time.

down the line

This phrase suggests a point in the future, often without specifying exactly when.

FAQs

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

You can use "when the time comes" to refer to a future event or decision, like in the sentence, "When the time comes, I'll make a choice" or "When the time comes, we will crush them".

What's a more formal alternative to "when the time comes"?

A more formal alternative could be "at the appropriate juncture" or "in due course", depending on the context.

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

While not grammatically incorrect, "when the time will come" is less common and can sound somewhat redundant. "When the time comes" is generally the preferred and more concise option.

How does "when the time comes" differ from "if the time comes"?

"When the time comes" implies a greater degree of certainty that the event will occur, while "if the time comes" suggests the event is conditional and might not happen.