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Clarence Posted 14 years ago
Grammar

'when convenient' vs 'when it is convenient'

Hi,

Wondering if the sentence below is still correct if we omit 'it is'. Thanks.

You can come when it is convenient.

Clarence
  

Top answer

It's not correct. I think people would understand what you meant, but it's not right. CJ

— CalifJim

  • It's not correct.
  • I think people would understand what you meant, but it's not right.
  • CJ
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3 Answers
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It's not correct. I think people would understand what you meant, but it's not right.

CJ
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You can come when convenient.
= You can come when you are convenient.


It makes no sense. No.
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You do hear it sporadically in informal BrE (no idea about other dialects) where the meaning is obvious. Likewise, "whenever convenient" is heard.

Grammatically, you could possibly make a case for it being a verbless clause reduced to just a predicative. You can come when convenient ~ "when it is convenient".

BillJ
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