when time has passed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "when time has passed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a future point in time after a certain duration has elapsed. Example: "When time has passed, we will reflect on the decisions we made during this period."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

But that's another vital lesson: knowing when time has passed and you should move on.

The New York Times - Sports

Observers are required to implement the scoring system the same way each time, even when time has passed since the preceding patient was evaluated.

BMC Veterinary Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

In addition, even when time had passed, a statistically significant change in the graft bone was not observed in either group.

Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

When time had passed after the operation, patients realised that surgery did not bring them back to their old healthy selves.

BMC Palliative Care

Like so many experiences in my life, I am sure I will only be able to fully appreciate this last year when some time has passed ― possibly with the euphoric recall addicts have when they remember the good bits and conveniently forget the hellish times associated with their pasts.

Huffington Post

When Bill Gates' time has passed and the Windows empire is lost to feuding little Gateses, when Internet Explorer has hung up its explorer's paraphernalia to retire to the lounge rooms of the Royal Geographical Society, one thing will remain.

The Guardian - Tech

And here she learned the lesson all great champions inevitably learn when their time has passed.

The New York Times - Sports

When enough time has passed, the openings into the tool are closed and the drill pipe is brought to the surface so that its contents may be measured.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As ever, there is a sense that all this bloodshed could have been averted if only politicians had stepped down when their time has passed.

The Guardian - Opinion

Finally, anyone who feels that this petition is "too soon" can use the time machine to travel to when more time has passed.

The New Yorker

Samia's story made me realise that sometimes we all need a fresh perspective on the same problem, perhaps even more so when some time has passed.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "when time has passed" to clearly indicate that a certain duration must elapse before a subsequent event occurs. For example, "When time has passed, the data will be re-evaluated."

Common error

Avoid mixing tenses when using "when time has passed". Ensure the main clause clearly indicates the future event. For example, instead of "When time has passed, I remembered the event", use "When time has passed, I will remember the event."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when time has passed" functions as a temporal clause, setting a condition based on the completion of a certain duration. Ludwig suggests it's a grammatically correct phrase. It typically introduces a main clause that describes an event that will occur after that time.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

6%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "when time has passed" serves as a temporal clause, indicating that a subsequent event will occur after a specified duration. Ludwig confirms that it's grammatically correct and usable in various contexts. While alternatives like "after a period of time" or "eventually" exist, the phrase provides a specific condition related to the passage of time. It's important to maintain consistent tenses when employing this phrase to ensure clarity. The varied examples found by Ludwig range from news articles to scientific papers, showing that the phrase is indeed a versatile and commonly-used construction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

after a period of time

Replaces "when" with "after", focusing on the completion of a time period.

once a certain time has elapsed

Uses "once" to indicate condition, and "elapsed" for a more formal tone.

after some time goes by

Rephrases with a more descriptive and less formal tone.

with the passage of time

Emphasizes the process of time passing.

in due course

A more idiomatic expression implying a natural progression of time.

as time goes on

Focuses on the continuing progression of time.

eventually

Simplifies the phrase to a single adverb indicating a future outcome.

down the line

An informal phrase indicating a future point in time.

in the fullness of time

An idiomatic expression suggesting that something will happen when the timing is right.

in the future

A general phrase indicating a time later than the present.

FAQs

How can I use "when time has passed" in a sentence?

You can use "when time has passed" to introduce a clause that specifies a condition related to the passage of time. For example, "When time has passed, we will have a better understanding of the situation."

What are some alternatives to "when time has passed"?

Some alternatives include "after a period of time", "once a certain time has elapsed", or "eventually". The best choice depends on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it more appropriate to say "when time has passed" or "after time has passed"?

Both are grammatically correct and convey a similar meaning. "After time has passed" might be slightly more common in general usage, while "when time has passed" can be used to set a specific condition related to the passage of time.

Can "when time has passed" be used to refer to the past?

No, "when time has passed" typically refers to a point in the future after some time has elapsed. To refer to the past, use phrases like "after time had passed" or "once time had passed".