when they become capable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "when they become capable" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a future time when individuals or entities gain the ability to perform a certain action or task. Example: "We will assign them more responsibilities when they become capable of handling complex projects."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

He hopes to design similar dynamic content for portable music players when they become capable of display graphics on color screens.

The New York Times - Tech

But if and when they become capable doing so, they clearly want to have the missile ready.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

When businesses become self-sufficient in their own right, they become capable of fueling their own growth.

Forbes

According to one perspective, some people repress their memories of abuse because these experiences have been so emotionally traumatic, and they become capable of recalling the CSA only when it is psychologically safe to do so many years later.

Harvard University

Which might be enough to buy one of those new 3-D-capable Blu-ray players when they become available.

The New York Times

"When they become isolation heavy they become stagnant".

The New York Times

Republics only really become empires when they become empires.

University of California, Berkeley

When, they become.

Advances in Difference Equations

When they become victims, they become Tutsis.

Los Angeles Times

When they become blocked, pain also becomes blocked.

WikiHow

Mice were sacrificed when they became moribund.

Breast Cancer Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "when they become capable" to clearly indicate a future point at which an ability or capacity is attained. Ensure the context makes it clear what specific capability is being referred to.

Common error

Avoid using "when they become capable" in situations where the capability is already present or the timeline for its development is indefinite. Be specific about the conditions that need to be met for them to achieve the capability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when they become capable" functions as an adverbial clause of time, modifying the main clause by specifying the condition under which the action in the main clause will occur. It indicates a future point contingent on the attainment of a certain capacity.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "when they become capable" is a grammatically sound and usable English phrase that functions as an adverbial clause of time, indicating a future point at which a specific ability is attained. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While not exceedingly common, it finds application across diverse contexts like news, science, and academia. Remember to use it when specifying a condition dependent on acquiring a certain skill or capacity, and avoid vagueness regarding the scope of the capability. Consider alternatives like "once they are able" or "as soon as they're proficient" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

once they are able

Emphasizes the completion of the process of gaining ability.

when they are equipped

Focuses on the resources or tools needed to become capable.

upon achieving competence

Highlights the attainment of a specific level of skill or knowledge.

as soon as they're proficient

Emphasizes a high degree of skill and readiness.

when they have the aptitude

Focuses on natural ability or talent.

once they've developed the skill

Highlights the process of skill acquisition.

after they acquire the capacity

Highlights the acquisition of general capacity.

when they are qualified

Focuses on meeting specific requirements or standards.

once they have mastered

Emphasizes a high level of expertise.

when they possess the faculty

Highlights the inherent power or ability.

FAQs

How can I use "when they become capable" in a sentence?

You can use "when they become capable" to describe a future event that depends on someone acquiring a specific skill or ability. For instance, "We will assign them more responsibilities "when they become capable" of handling complex projects".

What are some alternatives to "when they become capable"?

Alternatives include phrases like "once they are able", "when they are equipped", or "as soon as they're proficient", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "when they become capable"?

Yes, the phrase "when they become capable" is grammatically correct. It functions as a relative clause specifying a condition that must be met.

What is the difference between "when they become capable" and "if they become capable"?

"When they become capable" suggests a higher degree of certainty that the capability will be achieved, while "if they become capable" implies more uncertainty about whether they will ever reach that state.