when we are done

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "when we are done" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate a point in time after completing a task or activity. Example: "We can discuss the next steps when we are done with the current project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

"These are the things we do when we are DONE working and being citizens".

The New Yorker

"Our relationship with the person eating doesn't stop when we are done plating the food".

The New York Times

There won't be much left when we are done clearing out".

The New York Times

And when we are done caring for our "self," that uniquely American preoccupation of the 20th century, we may resume our rational behavior all the better, unencumbered temporarily by that pesky inner turmoil that makes us human.

The New York Times

What seems to be missing is an understanding of what Generation Wiki has known all along about information gone viral: we consume, comment and move on; the story dies when we are done with it.

The Guardian - Opinion

Coles gives the end of his week to the BBC, and he's off to Morecambe on the train when we are done to make a seaside postcard episode of his radio show overnight.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

When we are doing well, nobody says anything.

Independent

Lisa: We have our best dates when we are doing stupid errands.

The New York Times

That increase in stamina is noticeable when we are doing other things like playing basketball".

The Guardian

"When we are doing events we can lock the bedroom down," Ms. Walsh said.

The New York Times

For surely we learn something when we are doing it for a second time.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Maintain a consistent tone when using "when we are done"; it fits well in both casual and moderately formal contexts.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by clearly defining what "done" refers to. Ensure the context makes it obvious what task or activity must be completed before the subsequent action takes place.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when we are done" functions as an adverbial clause of time, modifying the main clause by specifying when the action in the main clause will occur. Ludwig examples showcase this function effectively.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Huffington Post

13%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "when we are done" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used as an adverbial clause of time. As shown in Ludwig, it signals the completion of an action and sets a temporal reference for what follows. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, from news articles to everyday conversations. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's usability and provides several real-world examples. While versatile, it's crucial to maintain clarity about what "done" refers to in the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

after we finish

Changes the verb to 'finish' for a more direct completion reference.

when we have finished

Employs the present perfect tense of 'finish' for a subtle difference in emphasis.

once we've completed

Uses 'completed' and 'once' to emphasize the finality and timing.

after we're through

Replaces 'done' with 'through' for a more casual tone.

upon our completion

Formalizes the phrase using 'upon' and a noun form of 'complete'.

following our completion

Emphasizes the sequence of events after the task is complete.

on finishing

Uses a gerund phrase to describe the completion of an action.

once the task is completed

Shifts the focus to the task being completed rather than the actors.

subsequent to finishing

A more formal and complex way to express the idea.

at the end of our work

Specifies completion in terms of the 'end' of 'work'.

FAQs

How can I use "when we are done" in a sentence?

You can use "when we are done" to indicate the timing of a subsequent action after the completion of a current task. For example, "When we are done with the meeting, we'll grab some coffee".

What are some alternatives to "when we are done"?

You can use alternatives such as "after we finish", "once we have completed", or "upon our completion" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "when we are done" appropriate for formal writing?

While "when we are done" is acceptable, more formal alternatives like "subsequent to finishing" or "following our completion" might be preferred in highly formal or academic contexts.

What's the difference between "when we are done" and "when we have finished"?

Both phrases are very similar, but "when we have finished" (or "when we have done") places a slightly stronger emphasis on the completion of the task, whereas "when we are done" is a more general indicator of finishing.