when they arise

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "when they arise" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a future or potential situation. For example, "We should be prepared to deal with any conflicts when they arise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

How do they deal with lawsuits when they arise?

The New York Times

Why is it "offensive" to raise questions when they arise?

Independent

"But you can make sure that they're better prepared to minimize such issues when they arise".

The New York Times

We have to continue to be prepared to confront them when they arise.

The New York Times

The law says claims must be filed within two years of when they arise.

The New York Times

I like to be ready for those opportunities when they arise.

The New York Times

Preventing mental health problems arising in young people is just as vital as acting swiftly when they arise.

The Guardian

This means it does not have to buy health cover but handles costs directly itself as and when they arise.

The Guardian - Money

The state needs legislation that will allow communities to study such opportunities when they arise, he said.

The New York Times

The only difference is how the Australian fan reacts to the following set of facts when they arise.

The Guardian - Sport

We do so by voting on the issues when they arise at a company's annual shareholders' meeting.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "when they arise" to indicate a reactive approach to handling situations, emphasizing preparedness and flexibility.

Common error

Avoid using "when they arise" when a proactive approach is more appropriate. If the situation can be anticipated and prevented, focus on preventative measures rather than reacting "when they arise".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when they arise" functions as an adverbial clause of time, modifying a verb by specifying the timing of an action. Ludwig shows that it clarifies when a certain action should be taken or a condition should be met.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

31%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "when they arise" functions as an adverbial clause of time, indicating a reactive and prepared approach to situations as they occur. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and frequently used across diverse contexts, including news, science, and business. The phrase is best suited for neutral registers and should be chosen when a reactive strategy is intended, rather than proactive prevention. Related phrases include "as they occur" and "should they surface". Be mindful of the context to ensure the most precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as they occur

This alternative is more concise and emphasizes the point in time when the events happen.

as they present themselves

This alternative puts a greater emphasis on unexpectedness and the need to react to the situation

should they surface

This alternative is more formal and less direct. Emphasizes a conditional state.

if and when they materialize

This alternative underscores the uncertainty of events actually happening. More emphatic.

as situations develop

This option focuses on a process or the unfolding of events

when problems crop up

This option is most suitable when specifically talking about problems or issues.

if the need arises

This option introduces conditionality and necessity.

on their emergence

A more formal option highlighting the fact of something arising.

in due course

This option introduces a temporal aspect, implying events will unfold naturally over time.

as circumstances dictate

This alternative focuses on letting surrounding circumstances affect decisions

FAQs

How can I use "when they arise" in a sentence?

You can use "when they arise" to describe how you will deal with something in the future. For example, "We are prepared to address any issues "when they arise"".

What are some alternatives to saying "when they arise"?

Alternatives include "as they occur", "as they present themselves", or "should they surface", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "where they arise" instead of "when they arise"?

While "when" refers to time, "where" refers to location. Therefore, use "where they arise" if you are talking about the location an issue occurs. For example, "We will address problems based on "where they arise"".

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

"If they arise" suggests a possibility that something might happen, while "when they arise" implies a stronger expectation or certainty that something will happen at some point. The best choice depends on the specific context.