when we are free

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "when we are free" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a time when individuals have no obligations or commitments, allowing them to engage in an activity or conversation. Example: "Let's plan a meeting when we are free to discuss the project details."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

How do we know inside when we are free?

The New Yorker

But we know when we are free, and when we're not.

The New Yorker

"I have a tricolour in my house, I will bring it out when we are free".

The Guardian

In speeches about oil pricing on Thursday and Friday, he pledged to "work toward the day when we are free forever of the dominance of big oil and foreign oil".

The New York Times

Similarly, the discussion on gang violence that followed, like the assessments of Diana-mania, daroundaround the issue of when we are free to act as individuals, and when (if?) we are not.

The Guardian - Opinion

But when you hear Mr. Gore bleating that "I will work for the day when we are free forever of the dominance of big oil and foreign oil" -- without leveling with Americans that the only way to do that is by us consuming less and drilling more -- you just want to cover your ears.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

The precious moments when meaning is suspended and pure sound rings forth: it is in those forgotten spaces when we are freed from the tyranny of expectation and can revert to a state of open insight, and even delight.

Huffington Post

"There was never a time when we were free of it," she said.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Right now it's hard to say what we'll do when we're free.

The Guardian

"I miss when we were free, and I could eat you".

The New Yorker

"She was always in the back of my mind, and when we were free, I courted her".

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "when we are free" to clearly indicate a future time when obligations are absent, allowing for a specific action or decision. It is effective for scheduling meetings, planning activities, or discussing possibilities.

Common error

Avoid using "when we are free" when referring to absolute freedom or liberty in a philosophical or political sense. This phrase is best suited for discussions about time and availability, not overarching concepts of freedom. For broader concepts of freedom, use alternative formulations such as "when we achieve liberty" or "when we are liberated".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when we are free" functions as an adverbial clause of time, modifying a main clause by specifying when an action or state occurs. As Ludwig AI suggests, it correctly introduces a condition related to availability or lack of constraint.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "when we are free" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to express a condition based on future availability. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct. Predominantly found in News & Media sources, it functions as an adverbial clause of time and serves to specify the timing of potential actions. When writing, it is best employed to arrange schedules and avoid using it in contexts related to absolute freedom or political liberation. Alternatives such as "when we have time" or "when we're available" can be used for nuanced meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

when we have time

Focuses on the availability of time as a condition.

when we're available

Highlights being accessible or ready for something.

when we are unconstrained

Emphasizes the absence of limitations or restrictions.

in our free time

Refers specifically to leisure time.

at our convenience

Highlights doing something when it suits us best.

when we are at liberty

Focuses on having the permission or right to do something.

when circumstances allow

Indicates that something depends on the right conditions.

when we get a chance

Highlights the opportunity to do something.

when we are not busy

Emphasizes the absence of tasks or engagements.

at a time of our choosing

Highlights the power to select the moment.

FAQs

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

Use "when we are free" to indicate a future time of availability. For example, "Let's discuss this further "when we are free" to dedicate our full attention to it."

What can I say instead of "when we are free"?

You can use alternatives like "when we have time", "when we're available", or "in our free time" depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "when we are free"?

Yes, "when we are free" is grammatically correct. It functions as an adverbial clause, indicating a time or condition.

What is the difference between "when we are free" and "when we are liberated"?

"When we are free" typically refers to availability or lack of obligations, while "when we are liberated" suggests being released from oppression or captivity. The former focuses on scheduling, the latter on overcoming restrictions.