when they happen

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "when they happen" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to events or occurrences at the time they take place. Example: "I will address the issues when they happen, rather than waiting for them to escalate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Revolutions are not obvious when they happen.

University of California, Berkeley

We are not surprised when they happen, except when they happen to us.

University of California, Berkeley

These things are terrible when they happen.

The Guardian

("When they happen, they happen," she shrugs).

The Guardian

When they happen, they often evaporate quickly.

The New York Times - Travel

When they happen, companies insist they do not matter.

The Economist

And when they happen, they really lift people up.

The New York Times

But detecting them when they happen is a routine technology.

The Economist

We mourn their deaths when they happen, of course.

The New York Times

"When they happen, they will be quite lethal," he said.

The New York Times - Science

But when they happen at home, there's a game plan.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "when they happen" to clearly indicate that you are referring to events or occurrences at the time they take place. This phrasing is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Ensure the context makes it clear what "they" refers to. Vague references can confuse readers. Specify the events or items to prevent misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

"When they happen" functions as an adverbial clause of time, modifying a verb or clause to indicate when an action occurs. The phrase introduces a condition or timing element, indicating that something will occur at the same time or after the events referred to by "they" take place. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is correct and usable in written English and in many different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Academia

22%

Science

21%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "when they happen" is a grammatically sound and versatile way to refer to events at the time of their occurrence. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is correct and widespread across various forms of media and academic writing. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts, academic settings, and scientific publications. To ensure clarity, make sure that the referent of "they" is clear within the context. For alternative phrasing, consider options such as "as they occur" or "upon their occurrence". The phrase offers a simple and direct way to indicate timing or conditions, making it suitable for both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as and when they occur

Adds emphasis on the timing of each individual event as it happens.

as soon as they transpire

Highlights how shortly after something happen something else happens.

upon their occurrence

Replaces "when they happen" with a more formal phrasing, emphasizing the moment of occurrence.

as they unfold

Focuses on the process of events happening, suggesting a gradual revelation.

on their taking place

A slightly more verbose but grammatically correct alternative.

when they materialize

Emphasizes the coming into being or realization of events.

at the time they transpire

Uses a more formal verb, 'transpire', to describe the events occurring.

at their advent

A more literary alternative that highlights the beginning or arrival of events.

once they come to pass

Highlights the completion or fulfillment of the events.

should they arise

Introduces a conditional aspect, implying a possibility of events occurring.

FAQs

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

You can use "when they happen" to refer to events at the moment of their occurrence. For example, "I will address the issues "when they happen", rather than waiting for them to escalate."

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

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "as they occur", "at the time they arise", or "upon their occurrence" to replace "when they happen".

Is it grammatically correct to say "when they happen"?

Yes, "when they happen" is grammatically correct and commonly used in both written and spoken English. It functions as a relative clause, indicating the timing of events.

In what kind of writing is "when they happen" most appropriate?

"When they happen" is versatile and can be used in various writing styles, from news articles to academic papers and casual conversations. The suitability depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.