when they have time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "when they have time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a situation where someone is free or available to do something at their convenience. Example: "I will ask them to review the document when they have time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

Only dermatologists and podiatrists still have a few -- when they have time to use them.

The New York Times - Health

"And when they have time, they're generally found on the golf course as opposed to coming to a golf museum".

The New York Times

But three years is a long time, and when they have time to strategize how to get there, it's safer".

The New York Times - Sports

When they have time to get away, they hop on Sergeant Wheeler's boat and head for Montauk or Cape Cod.

The New York Times - Style

That's why most footballers are at their most vulnerable when they have time to think in front of goal.

The Guardian - Sport

He said: "We have said repeatedly the next phase would be one of terrorising people and when they have time they will begin destroying temples.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

On the rare occasion when they had time to peer downfield, they found receivers blanketed.

The New York Times - Sports

Of course, the Europeans are objecting strongly to that idea at the moment, but it may look better when they've time to consider the alternative.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mr. Maeda and Mr. Ariga, who both became schoolteachers in Ishikawa after the war, said their silence continued until after retirement two decades ago, when they had time to ponder their wartime experiences.

The New York Times

This allowed subjects to do the test effortlessly when they had time for it.

EURASIP Journal on Audio, Speech, and Music Processing

When they had time, they would build a sod house.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "when they have time" to indicate that an action will occur based on someone's availability, ensuring clarity and consideration for their schedule.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "when they have time" in every instance. Vary your language by using alternatives like "when they are available" or "at their convenience" to add nuance and avoid repetition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when they have time" functions as an adverbial clause of time, modifying the main clause by specifying when an action or event takes place. Ludwig examples illustrate its usage in various sentence structures to indicate conditional timing.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

25%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "when they have time" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that an action will occur based on someone's availability. According to Ludwig, its most frequent use is in news and media contexts. While versatile, it's important to use alternatives like "when they are available" or "at their convenience" to avoid overuse. Consider the level of formality required and the certainty you wish to convey. Be mindful that, although grammatically valid, rewording may enhance clarity and maintain engagement, so it is important to ensure you are not overusing the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

when they are available

Replaces "have time" with a direct synonym for availability, maintaining a similar level of formality.

when they get a chance

Focuses on the opportunity arising, rather than explicitly stating time availability.

when their schedule allows

Emphasizes a structured schedule as the determining factor for availability.

at their convenience

Shifts the emphasis to the subject's preference for when the action occurs.

when they find an opportunity

Highlights the active seeking or discovery of a suitable moment.

as soon as they are able

Implies a sense of urgency and immediacy once availability is established.

in their own time

Suggests a relaxed, unhurried approach to completing the action.

if and when they are free

Adds a conditional aspect, emphasizing uncertainty about future availability.

when they can spare some time

Indicates that the time allocated might be limited or taken from other activities.

when time permits

Expresses the dependence on external circumstances allowing for the action.

FAQs

What's a more formal way to say "when they have time"?

For a more formal tone, you could use phrases like "at their convenience" or "when their schedule permits". These options offer a similar meaning but are better suited for professional or academic contexts.

How can I use "when they have time" in a sentence?

You can use "when they have time" to express that an action will be performed when someone is available. For example, "I'll ask them to review the report "when they have time"".

Is it correct to say "when they will have time"?

While grammatically correct, "when they will have time" can sound slightly awkward. "When they have time" is generally preferred and more concise. If you need to emphasize the future, consider "when they are expected to have time" or "when they anticipate having time".

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

"When they have time" implies a higher likelihood of the action occurring, dependent on their schedule. "If they have time" introduces more uncertainty, suggesting the action may not happen at all. Consider the context and the level of certainty you want to convey.