when there is

USAGE SUMMARY

"when there is" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to introduce a situation or condition that must be met. For example: "You can only check out these books when there is an available librarian to assist you."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

When there is insufficient demand, investments flounder.

The Economist

When there is uncertainty, who will invest?

The New York Times

It's crazy when there is.

The Guardian

That is fine when there is growth.

The Guardian - Opinion

"What happens when there is no consensus?

The Guardian - Sport

Jail him, when there is no point?

The Guardian

"Blacks sing when there is sorrow, blacks sing when there is happiness, blacks sing when there is war, blacks sing when there is peace.

The Guardian

But what happens when there is waste?

The Guardian

"When there is no alternative, it's there".

The New York Times

People care only when there is violence, when there is terror".

The New Yorker

But when there is shouting in music, when there is noise?

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "when there is" to introduce a condition or situation that triggers a specific outcome. Be clear about the relationship between the condition and the result.

Common error

Avoid using "when there is" in overly complex sentences where the condition and its result become unclear. Ensure the sentence structure is straightforward to maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when there is" functions as a conditional clause introducer. It sets up a situation or condition that, when met, leads to a specific outcome or result. Ludwig AI examples illustrate its use in various contexts, from news to scientific articles.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

55%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "when there is" is a versatile phrase used to introduce conditional clauses, setting the stage for cause-and-effect relationships. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across diverse contexts like News & Media and Science. While generally neutral in register, its formality can shift based on context. For alternative expressions, consider "if there is" for simplicity or "in the event that there is" for a more formal tone. Remember to maintain clarity in complex sentences and ensure a clear connection between the condition and its outcome.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if there is

Simplifies "when there is" to the basic conditional "if".

provided that there is

Similar to "if", but slightly more formal, indicating a stipulation.

as long as there is

Indicates a condition of duration or continuation.

in the event that there is

Replaces "when" with a more formal phrase "in the event that".

in cases where there is

Specifies a particular instance or situation.

given that there is

Emphasizes that something is happening because of another situation.

assuming there is

Indicates a presumption or hypothesis.

should there be

Uses an inverted conditional structure for a more formal or hypothetical tone.

on the occasion that there is

Offers a more elaborate and formal alternative.

once there is

Focuses on the moment something exists or becomes available.

FAQs

How can I use "when there is" in a sentence?

Use "when there is" to introduce a condition or situation that needs to be met for something else to occur. For example, "Progress is achieved "when there is" collaboration".

What's a more formal alternative to "when there is"?

For a more formal tone, you could use "in the event that there is" or "provided that there is". These alternatives are suitable for business or academic writing.

Is it always necessary to include "there is" after "when"?

No, it's not always necessary. You can often rephrase the sentence for conciseness. For example, instead of ""when there is" a problem", you can say "when a problem occurs".

How does "when there is" differ from "if there is"?

"When there is" suggests a situation that is expected or likely to occur, while "if there is" implies a more hypothetical or uncertain condition. The choice depends on the context and the level of certainty you want to convey.