when they get

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "when they get" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in various contexts to indicate a future event or condition that will occur when a certain situation is met. Example: "When they get the necessary approvals, the project will move forward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

When they get better?

The New Yorker

That's when they get multiply impaled".

The New York Times - Science

Not when they get up here".

The New York Times

"How often?" "When they get dirty".

The New Yorker

That's when they get really hot.

The New York Times - Magazine

When they get haircuts, Jenni pays.

The New York Times

"That's when they get tested.

The Guardian

When they get bored, they look away.

University of California, Berkeley

Women are older when they get pregnant.

Yale University

What Happens When They Get It Wrong?

Stanford University

When they get across we feel rapture.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "when they get" to introduce a dependent clause specifying a condition or time frame for a particular action or event. It helps to establish a clear sequence or relationship between events.

Common error

Avoid using incorrect verb tenses in either the main clause or the "when they get" clause. Ensure the tenses are logically consistent to convey the intended timing and relationship between events.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when they get" introduces a subordinate clause, functioning as an adverbial clause of time. This clause modifies the main clause by specifying the timing or condition under which the main clause's action occurs. Ludwig shows this in a variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Academia

14%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "when they get" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that introduces adverbial clauses of time or condition. Ludwig AI affirms its usability in various contexts. While primarily neutral in register, it appears most commonly in News & Media sources. For more formal writing, alternatives like "once they obtain" or "subsequent to obtaining" may be suitable. Remember to maintain consistent verb tenses and consider the level of certainty you wish to convey. This phrase effectively establishes temporal relationships, enhancing clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

once they obtain

Replaces "get" with a more formal verb implying acquisition.

when they receive

Substitutes "get" with "receive", emphasizing the act of being given something.

after they acquire

Uses "acquire" instead of "get", suggesting a more deliberate effort to obtain something.

as soon as they find

Shifts focus to the act of finding or discovering something, replacing "get".

the moment they secure

Emphasizes the immediacy following the act of securing something, rather than just getting it.

upon their arrival

Focuses specifically on the act of arriving at a destination.

following their acquisition

More formal variation, using a noun form of 'acquire'.

subsequent to obtaining

A highly formal alternative indicating something happens after obtaining something else.

should they happen to get

Adds a degree of uncertainty or chance.

if they manage to get

Highlights the effort involved in obtaining something.

FAQs

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

Use "when they get" to introduce a condition or event that needs to occur before another action takes place. For instance, "We'll start the project "when they get" the necessary approvals" indicates the project's start is contingent on obtaining approvals.

What are some alternatives to "when they get"?

Alternatives include phrases like "once they receive", "after they obtain", or "as soon as they find", depending on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is there a difference between "when they get" and "if they get"?

"When they get" implies a higher degree of certainty that the event will occur, while "if they get" suggests more uncertainty or contingency. Use "when" for expected events and "if" for possible but uncertain ones.

Can "when they get" be used in formal writing?

Yes, ""when they get"" is acceptable in formal writing, but consider more sophisticated alternatives like "upon their arrival" or "subsequent to obtaining" for a more elevated tone.