I find that when

USAGE SUMMARY

"I find that when" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to introduce a condition, situation, or situation in which something usually occurs. For example: "I find that when I keep a daily routine, I am much more productive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In my clinical practice, I find that, when a patient's nervous-system threshold is lowered, the body might respond with episodes of alarming but non-organic symptoms.

The New Yorker

I find that, when I'm reading the Neapolitan novels by the Italian writer Elena Ferrante, I am propelled by a ravenous will to keep going.

The New Yorker

I find that, when a sanctioning scheme is used to induce different levels of precaution from high- and low-cost victims, a sanction less than the maximum may be used to punish crimes against either type of victim.

International Review of Law and Economics

I find that when I'm "in between" looks, I always go back to black.

The New York Times

"I find that when people feel fully informed, they're much less likely to panic".

The New York Times - Science

"I find that when I say this, clients are so relieved.

The New York Times

And I find that when I have time alone I immediately feel grateful.

The Guardian - Music

I find that when you walk in somewhere with a native speaker you get treated better".

The New York Times

I find that when I struggle to explain things in simple language, I have identified an opportunity to learn more.

Harvard Business Review

I find that when the curtain comes down and I can't get up from my seat, that's the touchstone.

The New York Times

I find that when I'm cooking for my purely vegetarian friends, Italian has the greatest variety of options.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid overusing this phrase in formal or academic writing. While acceptable, consider more formal alternatives like "It has been observed that" or "Research suggests that" for a more objective tone.

Common error

Be cautious about making broad generalizations based solely on your personal findings introduced by "I find that when". Acknowledge that your experience may not be universal and consider adding qualifiers like "often" or "in many cases" to avoid overstating your claim.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I find that when" functions as an introductory clause that sets up a conditional statement. It introduces a personal observation or discovery and connects it to a specific condition or situation. As Ludwig AI explains, it is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Academia

14%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I find that when" is a grammatically sound and very common phrase used to introduce personal observations or conclusions based on experience. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s a valid and usable expression. It’s most frequently found in news and media contexts but can also appear in academic and scientific writing. While it adds a personal touch, remember to consider more formal alternatives in certain settings to maintain objectivity. Be mindful of overgeneralizing from personal findings and qualify statements as needed. Use this phrase to share insightful connections between actions, situations, and outcomes, while acknowledging the limitations of personal experiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I've noticed that when

Replaces "find" with "noticed", indicating observation rather than discovery.

I've observed that when

Uses "observed" for a more formal tone, implying careful observation.

I've realized that when

Emphasizes a moment of realization or understanding.

It's been my experience that when

Shifts the focus to personal experience.

I've come to believe that when

Indicates a conclusion reached over time.

In my experience, when

Offers a direct statement based on personal experience.

What I've learned is that when

Highlights the knowledge gained from a situation.

From my perspective, when

Frames the observation as a personal viewpoint.

As far as I can tell, when

Introduces a qualification, suggesting limited certainty.

My understanding is that when

Emphasizes comprehension and knowledge.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "I find that when" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "It has been observed that when", "Research indicates that when", or "Studies suggest that when". These options remove the personal aspect and present the information more objectively.

Is it okay to use "I find that when" in academic writing?

While grammatically correct, using "I find that when" might make your academic writing sound less objective. Opt for more formal phrases like "It is evident that when" or "Analysis reveals that when" to maintain a scholarly tone.

What's the difference between "I find that when" and "I think that when"?

"I find that when" implies that you've observed a pattern or reached a conclusion based on experience, while "I think that when" suggests a belief or opinion. The former carries more weight due to its experiential basis.

What are some alternatives to "I find that when" for expressing personal observations?

You can use alternatives like "I've noticed that when", "In my experience, when", or "From my perspective, when" to convey personal observations with slight variations in emphasis or tone. Consider also "I've observed that when" for a more formal tone.