when they are ready

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "when they are ready" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is generally used when referring to someone or something becoming prepared for a particular task. For example, "The students will start their presentation when they are ready."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

When they are ready, remove to cool.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But when they are ready, they'll be better prepared".

The New York Times

"It's the media guy who says when they are ready".

Independent

When they are ready, hold a two-part roundtable discussion.

The New York Times

Help will be on hand when they are ready.

The Guardian

The women are allowed into the hospital only when they are ready to give birth.

The New York Times

"They're killed at the right weight rather than when they are ready to eat".

Independent

When they are ready, we will send them to America to be educated".

The New York Times - Books

Start stirring and tasting the lentils every few minutes to check when they are ready.

The Economist

that's how it is: clothes are ready when they are ready, not before.

The New York Times

Cells are placed on the medium when they are ready for transmission and then transmitted independently of each other.

Networking Explained

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "when they are ready" to respect someone's pace or timing, especially when dealing with sensitive topics or personal decisions.

Common error

Avoid using "when they are ready" when a specific deadline or expectation is required. It implies flexibility that may not exist.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when they are ready" functions as an adverbial clause of time, modifying the main clause by specifying the timing or condition under which the main action occurs. Ludwig examples confirms this use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Wiki

28%

Science

6%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "when they are ready" is a versatile adverbial clause indicating timing dependent on someone's preparedness. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It's frequently used in news, media, and general contexts. While versatile, avoid it when specific deadlines apply. Alternatives like "as soon as they are ready" can offer more precise timing. Remember to consider the context to prevent misunderstandings about the level of flexibility you are intending to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

when they're prepared

Replaces "are ready" with the synonym "are prepared", indicating a state of being fully equipped or arranged for something.

when the time is right for them

Emphasizes the appropriateness of the moment from the subject's perspective.

once they are set

Suggests a condition of being established or arranged before proceeding.

when they've reached a suitable point

Indicates that the action will occur after achieving a necessary stage or condition.

at their convenience

Focuses on the subject's timing and preference, highlighting flexibility.

at the opportune moment for them

Highlights a favorable or advantageous timing from the subject's viewpoint.

when they feel up to it

Highlights the subject's emotional or physical preparedness.

when they are willing

Emphasizes the subject's consent or inclination to proceed.

on their own terms

Indicates that the subjects will act according to their own conditions and preferences.

when circumstances allow

Focuses on external conditions influencing readiness.

FAQs

How can I use "when they are ready" in a sentence?

You can use "when they are ready" to indicate that an action should be performed at the subject's convenience, for example, "Victims should be able to get justice "when they are ready" to come forward".

What are some alternatives to using "when they are ready"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "when they are prepared", "at their convenience", or "when the time is right for them".

Is it appropriate to use "when they are ready" in formal writing?

Yes, "when they are ready" is appropriate in formal writing. It's a grammatically correct and clear way to express timing based on someone's preparedness. Ludwig examples show that it is used in formal contexts.

What's the difference between "when they are ready" and "as soon as they are ready"?

"When they are ready" implies a general timeframe, whereas "as soon as they are ready" indicates that something should happen immediately after they become prepared.