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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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When you have a moment

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "when you have a moment" is a correct and usable phrase in written English
You can use it when you need to politely ask someone to do something or when you would like to request someone's time. For example, "Can you please review this document when you have a moment?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

"You can't expect people to applaud when you have a moment like this," he said.

News & Media

The New York Times

In performance, muscle memory will carry you along when something distracts you, or when you have a moment of doubt.

When you have a moment, instead of checking your email, look at the slip, and work on an item.

Thornton: When you have a moment … Clegg: Do you want to be in my gang, my gang, my gang?

News & Media

The Guardian

God bless you, Chris, and give me a call when you have a moment, 'cause I have a funny story to tell you.

Why don't you give me a call when you have a moment?" It's been more than a month since I wrote to him.

News & Media

The New Yorker
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Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

"When you have a great moment, you never forget those moments," Soriano said.

Of course, if you're always hanging out with friends when you have a free moment, you may actually feel a bit overwhelmed and like you have no time to decompress.

"As a photographer, you know when you have a unique moment.

News & Media

The New York Times

"I say it's always great when you have a spectacular moment that suddenly gives you an amazing surge," said Jose Mallea, Mr. Gingrich's Florida campaign manager.

News & Media

The New York Times

It's an accessible, fun app for creating electronic music, which makes it easy to lash together beats and melodies when you have a spare moment, then record and share them with others.

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Expert writing Tips

✓ Best practice

In professional settings, it's appropriate to follow up if you don't receive a response within a reasonable timeframe. This shows you value their time while also ensuring your request is addressed.

⚠ Common error

Avoid using "when you have a moment" if you require immediate action. This phrase implies flexibility, so choose a more direct approach like "Please address this urgently" if necessary.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when you have a moment" functions as an adverbial clause of time. It modifies the main clause by specifying the timing or condition under which the action in the main clause should be performed. Ludwig AI confirms this usage across various examples.

Expression frequency: Common

✓ Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Wiki

10%

⚠ Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Lifestyle

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "when you have a moment" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to politely request someone's time or attention. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as an adverbial clause of time, softening requests and showing consideration. While versatile, it's best suited for situations where immediate action isn't necessary. Consider alternatives like "when you get a chance" or "at your convenience" to fine-tune your message. Remember to avoid assuming immediate action and always follow up if needed. The sources analyzed range from news media to academic institutions and lifestyle blogs, highlighting its broad applicability.

FAQs

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

Use "when you have a moment" to politely request someone to do something without implying urgency. For example, "Please review this document "when you have a moment"".

What can I say instead of "when you have a moment"?

You can use alternatives like "when you get a chance", "at your convenience", or "when you're free" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "when you have a moment" in formal communication?

Yes, ""when you have a moment"" is generally appropriate in formal communication as it's a polite way to request something without being demanding. However, consider the level of formality required and choose alternatives if needed.

What's the difference between "when you have a moment" and "as soon as possible"?

"When you have a moment" implies flexibility and no strict deadline, while "as soon as possible" indicates a degree of urgency. Choose the phrase that best reflects the actual timeframe.

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Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: