when to come

USAGE SUMMARY

"when to come" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing the appropriate time for someone to arrive or attend an event. Example: "Please let me know when to come for the meeting." Alternative expressions include "when to arrive" and "when to show up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I'll tell you when to come on".

The New York Times

That means audiences know when to come and go.

The New York Times - Arts

"You have to know when to come off the line.

The Guardian - Sport

Otherwise they didn't know when to come in.

The Guardian - Film

Just as long, of course, as they know when to come knocking.

The New York Times

No conductor telling me when to come in, no legato or staccato to follow.

The Guardian

Players in the orchestra were always asked how they knew when to come in.

The Guardian - Books

"I can't tell you when to come in and rent a car from me".

The New York Times

He can't find the key and doesn't know when to come in.

The Guardian - Music

He felt he always knew when to come back, but it can be a dangerous way to live.

The New York Times

Nobody ever told me what to play or when to come out with a record or who to work with.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When providing instructions, be specific about the timing. Instead of vaguely saying "come later", specify "come at 3 PM".

Common error

Avoid using "when to come" in contexts where the timing is unclear or subject to change without notice. Provide a means for confirming the time if it is not fixed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when to come" functions as a noun clause, often serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It indicates a point in time at which an action (coming) should occur. Ludwig examples illustrate its role in providing instructions or indicating scheduled events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

27%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Academia

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "when to come" is a common and grammatically sound way to ask about or specify arrival times, predominantly used in News & Media, Science, and Wiki contexts. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, it's versatile enough to fit both casual and professional scenarios, although more formal options exist for highly professional or academic environments. When instructing someone or arranging a meeting, being clear about "when to come" is essential for avoiding ambiguity. By understanding the phrase's function, purpose, and context, you can effectively integrate it into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

arrival time

Focuses specifically on the time of arrival, omitting the action of coming.

appropriate time to arrive

Emphasizes appropriateness of the time, adding a layer of suitability.

best time to arrive

Highlights the optimal time, suggesting superiority over other times.

scheduled arrival

Indicates a planned or predetermined arrival time.

suitable time to visit

Replaces "come" with "visit", implying a social context.

time of entry

Focuses on the act of entering, suitable for formal contexts.

date and time of arrival

Specifies both the date and time, adding precision.

point of arrival

Shifts focus to the location of arrival rather than the timing.

moment of appearance

Introduces a sense of dramatic entrance or unexpected arrival.

projected arrival time

Implies a forecast or estimate of when someone will come.

FAQs

How do I use "when to come" in a sentence?

Use "when to come" to indicate the appropriate or scheduled time for someone to arrive. For example, "The invitation specified "when to come" for the party".

What's a more formal alternative to "when to come"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "time of arrival" or "scheduled arrival". These options provide a more professional tone compared to the more direct "when to come".

Is it ever incorrect to use "when to come"?

While grammatically correct, "when to come" may be too informal for certain situations. It's also important to ensure the context provides enough information for the person to know "appropriate time to arrive".

What does "when to come" imply about the person arriving?

"When to come" suggests an expectation or invitation for someone to arrive at a specific time. It implies a level of coordination or planning between the speaker and the person who is expected to come.