when they work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "when they work" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific time or condition under which a group of people or things are functioning or performing their tasks. Example: "The team is most productive when they work together on projects."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"When they work, nothing happens".

The New York Times - Health

When they work, it works.

The New York Times

When they work, they belong together.

The New York Times

They work best when they work together".

The New York Times

But when they work, they're worth it — emotionally and financially.

The New York Times

Mathematicians, when they work, engage in intensely serious play.

The New Yorker

When they work, they blast the enemy from the battlefield.

The Economist

So when they work it's a real accomplishment".

The Guardian - Film

When they work, they are often turned off.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Nations are stronger when they work together against common threats".

The Guardian

Do they have arguments when they work together?

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context: "when they work" can be used to discuss people, systems, or processes. Ensure that the pronoun 'they' has a clear and unambiguous reference to the subject being discussed.

Common error

Avoid using "when they work" if the pronoun 'they' is ambiguous. Ensure the subject of 'they' is clearly defined to prevent confusion. For example, instead of saying 'The system fails when they work', clarify: 'The system fails when the components work simultaneously'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when they work" functions as an adverbial clause of time or condition. It introduces a dependent clause that specifies the timing or circumstances under which the main clause's action occurs. Ludwig AI shows that this phrase is commonly used to describe scenarios across various fields.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "when they work" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adverbial clause that sets the stage for understanding conditions or timing. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used across diverse contexts, from News & Media to scientific research, to define when particular outcomes are likely or intended. While versatile, ensure clarity in pronoun reference to avoid ambiguity. Alternative phrasing such as "while they are working" or "as they operate" can offer nuanced meaning. Avoid incorrect use by ensuring the 'they' reference is clear and unambiguous. Given its common usage, mastering "when they work" will enhance the precision and clarity of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

when they are employed

Focuses specifically on the state of being employed as the condition.

when they are operating

Emphasizes the functioning or operation aspect.

while they are working

Highlights the continuous action of working.

if they are effective

Shifts the condition to the effectiveness of their work.

during their working hours

Specifies a particular timeframe for their work.

as they perform their duties

Formalizes the action of working into performing duties.

upon their execution

Implies a more formal or technical context, focused on completing a task.

in their active state

Describes a state of being active, applicable in various contexts.

at their time of employment

Highlights the moment or period of employment.

when in operation

More concise, focusing on the state of being operational.

FAQs

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

You can use "when they work" to describe a condition or time at which a group or system is functioning. For example, "Nations are stronger "when they work together" against common threats".

What are some alternatives to using "when they work"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "while they are working", "as they operate", or "during their employment" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "when they are working" instead of "when they work"?

Yes, "when they are working" is grammatically correct and provides a similar meaning. The choice between "when they work" and "when they are working" often depends on the emphasis you want to place on the continuous action.

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

"When they work" implies a time or condition that is expected to occur, whereas "if they work" suggests a hypothetical situation. "When" assumes they will work, while "if" presents it as uncertain.