when they are

USAGE SUMMARY

"when they are" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a specific point or time in the future when a certain action or event will occur. Example: "When they are finished with their project, they will present their findings to the board of directors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Even when they are not.

The New York Times

When they are, watch out.

The New Yorker

Except when they are not.

The New York Times

Voters can recognize when they are cheated.

The New Yorker

Except, that is, when they are idling.

The New York Times

When they are, the discussions are perfunctory.

The New York Times - Books

Nowadays, businessmen complain when they are omitted.

The Economist

"When they are passed," Long replied.

The New Yorker

Especially when they are over 30.

Independent

When they are ready, remove to cool.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And sometimes even when they are.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "when they are" to clearly specify the timing or condition for an action or event to occur. This ensures clarity and avoids ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

Ensure that the "they" in "when they are" has a clear and unambiguous referent in your sentence. Vague or unclear pronoun references can confuse readers and weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when they are" functions as a temporal adverbial clause, introducing a condition or time frame for the main clause. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage. It specifies when an action or state is valid.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Wiki

33%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "when they are" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to introduce temporal clauses, specifying when an action or event takes place. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s commonly found across diverse contexts, including news, wikis, and scientific publications. While generally neutral in register, ensuring clear pronoun references is crucial for effective communication. Exploring related phrases like "once they are" or "if they are" can add nuance to your writing. Remember to use this phrase strategically to provide clarity and precision in your expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

once they are

Changes the temporal marker to "once", indicating an event that happens immediately after the condition is met.

whenever they are

Indicates that the action happens every time the condition is met.

if they are

Replaces "when" with "if", indicating a conditional scenario rather than a specific time.

provided they are

Emphasizes a condition that must be satisfied for something else to occur.

given that they are

Similar to "provided", but slightly more formal and explanatory.

by the time they are

Indicates that something will happen no later than when a certain condition is reached.

should they be

Uses an inversion with "should" for a more formal and hypothetical tone.

in the event that they are

Introduces a more formal and less likely scenario.

as they are

Shifts the focus to the current state or condition of the subject.

while they are

Focuses on an action happening during the same time period as another.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "when they are" to sound more formal?

To achieve a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "should they be" or "provided they are". These alternatives often suit academic or professional contexts better.

What's the difference between "when they are" and "if they are"?

"When they are" indicates a specific time or condition, implying that the event is expected to happen. "If they are" suggests a conditional scenario, without an assumption that the event will necessarily occur.

In what contexts is it best to use "when they are"?

The phrase "when they are" is best used in situations where you need to specify the timing or condition under which an action should be taken or an event will happen. This is appropriate across diverse contexts from everyday instructions to complex professional guidelines.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when using "when they are"?

Avoid using "when they are" with unclear pronoun references. Make sure the "they" has a clear and easily identifiable referent. Also, be mindful of the tone; in certain very formal contexts, a more elevated phrase might be preferable.