when the work is done

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "when the work is done" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a specific time or condition that occurs after the completion of a task or project. Example: "We can go out for dinner when the work is done."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

When the work is done, he joked, "we're going to ride down it".

The New York Times

"It's when the work is done that you can realize how much it's meant to people".

The New York Times

The workers are supposed to reconnect the beams when the work is done, he said.

The New York Times

By all appearances, he does not want the stores to return when the work is done.

The New York Times

We'd have to quantify that when the work is done on it.

The Guardian - Business

For many employes, these criteria can be applied just as readily when the work is done at home.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

P18: "My supervisor is very cooperative: as long as I work my hours and perform well, he doesn't care when or where the work is done".

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Grill, with caption, "And when all the work is done, Relax!

The New Yorker

Option #1: Keep running your life the way it is and hope for health and presence and joy sometime later when all the work is done.

HuffPost

Applications, some of them wholly unexpected when the work was done, are noted throughout.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

When the work was done for the day, the kids went searching for worms!

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "when the work is done" to clearly indicate a point in time or a condition that will occur after a task or project has been completed. It's especially useful when outlining a sequence of actions or setting expectations.

Common error

Avoid using "when the work is done" as a simple replacement for "if the work is done". "When" implies a future event that will inevitably happen upon completion, while "if" introduces uncertainty about the work's completion itself. Be precise to avoid misrepresenting the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when the work is done" functions as an adverbial clause of time, indicating when an action or event will occur. It sets a temporal condition dependent on the completion of the work. As shown in Ludwig, this phrase introduces a circumstance that must be satisfied for the main clause to proceed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "when the work is done" is a versatile and frequently used phrase that functions as an adverbial clause of time. It is grammatically correct and commonly found in various contexts, from news and media to academic and scientific writing. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase clearly indicates a point in time contingent on the completion of a task or project. While generally neutral in register, it's crucial to be mindful of the subtle difference between "when" and "if" to accurately convey the intended meaning. Considering more formal alternatives might enhance the sophistication of your writing in certain professional settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

once the task is finished

A common and simple way to indicate the completion of a task.

as soon as the job is finished

Indicates immediacy after the job concludes.

after the job is completed

Focuses on the 'job' aspect, implying a more specific assignment.

upon completion of the work

Emphasizes the moment the task reaches its finished state.

following the accomplishment of the task

Highlights the successful 'accomplishment' and is slightly more formal.

with the work concluded

A concise way to express the conclusion of the work.

subsequent to the work's completion

More formal and emphasizes the sequence of events.

the moment the work is finalized

Highlights the precise instant of finalization.

on the work being finalized

Emphasizes the finalization aspect of the work.

at the termination of the project

Focuses on the 'project' and its termination, suitable for formal contexts.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "when the work is done" to sound more formal?

You can use more formal alternatives such as "upon completion of the work" or "subsequent to the work's completion" to convey a more sophisticated tone.

Is there a shorter way to say "when the work is done"?

Yes, you can use phrases like "once the task is finished" or "after the job is completed" for a more concise expression.

Can "when the work is done" be used in all types of writing?

While "when the work is done" is generally acceptable in various contexts, it might be more suitable for informal or neutral writing. For formal contexts, consider more sophisticated alternatives.

What's the difference between "when the work is done" and "if the work is done"?

"When the work is done" implies certainty that the work will be completed, whereas "if the work is done" suggests a condition that may or may not be met. The choice depends on whether the completion of the work is guaranteed or conditional.