when they write

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "when they write" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the act of writing by a specific group of people, often in contexts discussing writing habits, styles, or practices. Example: "When they write, many authors prefer to use a quiet space to enhance their focus."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

When they write my obituary.

The New Yorker

When they write in print, it's clearer".

The Guardian

The substance comes when they write about their work.

The New York Times - Books

Novelists inevitably mine their own experience when they write.

The Guardian - Books

"But when they write it up, they'll be angels.

The New York Times - Sports

I have the other problem when they write the story".

The New York Times

By Nicole Krauss When they write my obituary.

The New Yorker

"When they write a bad review and you agree with it, that's the worst feeling.

Independent

"When they write the books about my generation, I'll be there," she said.

The New York Times - Arts

"I'm convinced people tell the truth when they write a diary," he says.

Independent

What do scientists mean when they write that something is "interesting"?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context when choosing between "when they write" and more formal or literary alternatives like "when composing" or "as they pen".

Common error

Ensure the pronoun "they" is clearly defined and refers to a specific group of people to avoid confusion. For example, specify "when historians write" instead of just "when they write" if you are discussing historical writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when they write" functions as an adverbial clause of time, indicating the timing or circumstances under which a certain action occurs. Ludwig examples show it describing various writing practices.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "when they write" is a commonly used and grammatically correct adverbial clause that provides context or timing related to the act of writing. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it's frequently found in news and media, as well as academic contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the pronoun "they" is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. While generally neutral in tone, consider using more formal alternatives depending on your audience and purpose. Remember to look for the variety of possible synonyms.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as they are writing

Emphasizes the ongoing process of writing.

during their writing process

Focuses on the writing process itself.

in their written works

Highlights the result or output of their writing.

when composing

A more formal synonym for "writing".

as they pen

A more literary or poetic alternative.

while drafting

Specifically refers to the initial stage of writing.

upon writing

A more formal and less common alternative.

in the act of writing

Emphasizes the action of writing.

when putting pen to paper

A more descriptive and figurative expression.

as they are documenting

Highlights the documentary aspect of writing.

FAQs

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

You can use "when they write" to describe habits, styles, or common practices of a group of writers. For instance: "When they write, many authors prefer a quiet space."

What are some alternatives to "when they write"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "as they are writing", "during their writing process", or "when composing".

Is "when they write" formal or informal?

"When they write" is generally considered neutral in formality. More formal alternatives include "upon writing" or "in their written works".

How do I ensure clarity when using "when they write"?

Make sure the pronoun "they" clearly refers to a specific group of people to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "when they write", specify "when scientists write" or "when novelists write".