when they start

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "when they start" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the moment an action or event begins, often in a conditional or temporal context. Example: "I will join the meeting when they start discussing the new project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

When they start crowning.

Independent

When they start shooting guns watchout.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

When they start to get ill, not when they start to harm themselves.

The Guardian

When they start moving, they move very, very slowly.

The New York Times - Arts

"That's when they start running and biting you," Hunter said.

The New York Times

Couples buy the big house when they start their families.

The Washington Post

"Or their body goes dead when they start acting".

The New York Times

When they start school, there are after-school clubs.

The Guardian

"When they start to go, it's too late".

The New York Times

When they start to caramelize, add the porcini.

The New York Times

And when they start not smiling back that's an earthquake.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "when they start" to clearly indicate the beginning of an action or process. Ensure the context provides sufficient information about 'they' to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Ensure that the pronoun "they" has a clear and unambiguous reference. Vague pronoun usage can confuse the reader and obscure the intended meaning. Clarify who "they" refers to, especially if it's not immediately obvious from the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when they start" functions as a temporal adverbial clause, indicating the time at which an event or action begins. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely used to set the stage for subsequent events, offering temporal context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Wiki

25%

Science

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "when they start" is a grammatically correct and versatile phrase widely used to indicate the beginning of an action or event. As Ludwig AI validates, this phrase is frequently employed across various contexts, especially in news, media, and informal writing. While the phrase is generally neutral in tone, being aware of pronoun reference is important to maintain clarity. Considering alternatives like "as they commence" or "once they begin" can improve the formality of your writing. Always use "when they start" to clearly indicate the start of something and ensure that the context provides sufficient information about 'they' to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

once they begin

Replacing "when" with "once" emphasizes the conditionality of the subsequent event, while "begin" is a synonym for "start".

as they commence

This alternative replaces "start" with a more formal verb, "commence", indicating a shift towards a more elevated register.

the moment they initiate

This phrase uses "the moment" to highlight immediacy, and "initiate" is a more formal substitute for "start".

at the start of their

This alternative shifts the structure to focus on the beginning of a specific period or activity related to 'their' action.

as soon as they get going

This phrase is more informal, using "get going" as a colloquial substitute for "start".

upon their launching

Using "upon" adds a touch of formality, and "launching" implies the beginning of a more significant endeavor.

the instant they jump in

This alternative suggests immediacy and quick involvement, making it suitable for scenarios where the action begins without delay.

after they initiate

This emphasizes a sequence, indicating what happens after the commencement.

right after they've kicked off

Very informal and indicates a strong start.

following their beginning

This option focuses on the sequence of events, with 'following' indicating what comes after the initiation.

FAQs

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

You can use "when they start" to introduce a clause that describes the timing or condition for another action. For example, "The problems usually begin when they start ignoring the rules."

What can I say instead of "when they start"?

Alternatives include "as they commence", "once they begin", or "the moment they initiate", depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

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

Yes, it is grammatically correct. It introduces a dependent clause that specifies the timing or condition under which something else occurs.

What's the difference between "when they start" and "after they start"?

"When they start" indicates the point at which something begins, while "after they start" emphasizes the period following the commencement. The former is simultaneous, whereas the latter is sequential.