when you can

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "when you can" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are asking someone to do something at their own pace or convenience. Example: Please send me the paperwork when you can.

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Compromise when you can.

The New York Times

Use cash when you can.

The Economist

Take naps when you can.

Independent

Why beep when you can talk?

The New York Times

Business class, when you can afford it.

Independent

Please write me when you can.

The New York Times

When you can walk between closed doors?

The New York Times

WHY buy when you can rent?

The Economist

Replant when you can.

WikiHow

Laugh when you can.

WikiHow

Ask when you can.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "when you can" to give someone flexibility in completing a task, respecting their time and resources. For example: "Submit the report when you can, no rush."

Common error

In professional contexts, avoid using "when you can" when a specific deadline is necessary. Instead, provide a clear due date. For example, instead of "Please review this when you can", say "Please review this by Friday."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when you can" functions as an adverbial clause of time, modifying a verb by indicating the timing or condition under which the action of the main clause should be performed. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

54%

News & Media

23%

Reference

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "when you can" is a versatile phrase used as an adverbial clause of time to indicate that an action should be performed at the recipient's convenience. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used, particularly in informal contexts such as in wikis and news articles. While appropriate for casual communication, more formal alternatives may be preferable in professional settings where deadlines are critical. Remember to use "when you can" when flexibility is desired and avoid it when a specific timeline is necessary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if/when possible

A shorter, more direct alternative that stresses the possibility of the action occurring.

if you have the opportunity

Emphasizes the presence of an opportunity as the condition for action, rather than ability or time.

as soon as you're able

Highlights speed and readiness as the determining factors, implying a sense of urgency.

at your convenience

Prioritizes the listener's comfort and schedule, making it more polite and less demanding.

if it's feasible

Focuses on the practicality and possibility of the action, suggesting potential obstacles.

when circumstances allow

Emphasizes external conditions rather than personal ability, framing the action as dependent on outside factors.

should you find it possible

Presents a more formal and hesitant tone, questioning the likelihood of the action.

if you are free to do so

Highlights the availability of time as the primary condition, implying a flexible schedule.

as time permits

Similar to "at your convenience", but places greater emphasis on the limitation of time.

when you are in a position to

Suggests that the ability to perform the action depends on achieving a certain status or condition.

FAQs

How can I use "when you can" in a sentence?

Use "when you can" to indicate that an action should be performed at the earliest opportunity that is convenient or possible for the person. For instance, "Call me "when you can"" suggests calling at their convenience.

What's a more formal alternative to "when you can"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "at your earliest convenience" or "as soon as you are able". These options convey respect and professionalism in business or academic settings.

What does "when you can" imply about deadlines?

"When you can" suggests flexibility and no strict deadline. It implies that the action is not urgent and can be completed at the person's leisure. If there's a deadline, it's better to specify it.

How is "if possible" different from ""when you can""?

"If possible" focuses on whether something is feasible, while ""when you can"" focuses on the timing of the action being convenient for the person. "If possible" is about possibility; ""when you can"" is about timing.