when they do

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "when they do" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific action or event that occurs at a certain time or under certain conditions. Example: "I will be ready to help when they do finally arrive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And when they do?

The New York Times

When they do exaggerate, it's Grand Guignol.

The New York Times - Arts

But what happens when they do?

The New York Times

When they do, everybody screams with joy.

The New Yorker

And heaven help you when they do".

The New Yorker

When they do, extreme ideologies thrive.

The New York Times

"I love it when they do that".

The New York Times - Arts

When they do, Delaware promises to listen.

The Economist

When they do, real reforms will follow.

The New York Times - Sports

When they do so, they heat up.

The Economist

When they do, they rationalize it.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "when they do" to create clear conditional statements, ensuring the context makes it obvious who "they" refers to, avoiding ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "when they do" if the subject "they" is unclear or has not been previously established. Ensure the pronoun's antecedent is unmistakable to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when they do" functions as an adverbial clause of time or condition. It introduces a situation or action that, upon occurring, triggers a subsequent event or outcome. This clause modifies the main clause by specifying the timing or circumstances under which the main clause's action takes place. Ludwig AI confirms its versatility across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

18%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "when they do" serves as a versatile adverbial clause, establishing conditional or temporal links between actions. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase enjoys widespread use across various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. While grammatically sound and frequently employed, ensure the pronoun "they" is clearly defined to maintain clarity. For enhanced formality, consider alternatives like "upon their doing so." Overall, "when they do" is a reliable tool for expressing sequence and consequence in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if and when they act

This option emphasizes both the possibility and the timing of the action.

as soon as they perform it

This option stresses the immediate sequence of events.

once they take action

This phrase highlights the completion of an action as the trigger for a subsequent event.

upon their doing so

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the moment the action is performed.

the moment they execute it

This is a more emphatic way of saying "as soon as they do it".

should they proceed

This is a more formal and tentative way of expressing the condition.

in the event that they do

This expresses a conditional situation with a slightly more formal tone.

on the occasion that they do

This is a more formal and less common alternative.

when it comes to pass

This alternative is more figurative and implies a sense of anticipation.

at such time as they do

This is a more archaic and formal way of expressing the timing.

FAQs

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

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "upon their doing so" or "in the event that they do". These alternatives add a level of sophistication to your writing.

Is it always necessary to explicitly state who "they" refers to when using "when they do"?

While not always required, clarity is key. If the context doesn't immediately make the referent obvious, it's best to explicitly state who "they" are to avoid ambiguity. For example, compare this to using "if they do".

What's a more emphatic way to express the same idea as "when they do"?

To emphasize the immediacy or impact of the action, try phrases like "as soon as they perform it" or "the moment they execute it". These convey a stronger sense of timing and consequence, which is a small change if compared to "after they perform it".

Can "when they do" be used in all types of writing?

"When they do" is generally acceptable in most contexts, from informal to formal. However, consider your audience and purpose. For highly formal or academic writing, a more precise or sophisticated alternative might be preferable.