I recall a time when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I recall a time when" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to reminisce or bring up a past experience or memory. Example: "I recall a time when we all gathered at the lake for a summer picnic, and it was one of the best days of my life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

I recall a time when maggots were regarded as anything but acceptable.

The New York Times - Health

I recall a time when, short of a pound coin at the supermarket, I took a free trolley designed to accommodate infant twins, and was sarcastically accused of misplacing my babies by the woman behind me at the till.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Child: "If she's so wonderful, why did you divorce her?" AUDREY CORN Now that spring is here and the influenza outbreaks are officially over, I recall a time when catching the flu had its good points.

The New York Times

I recall a time when laws were written by elected officials.

Huffington Post

I recall a time when I employed a nanny from 9-4 30 9-4 30

Huffington Post

I'm so Chicago, I recall a time when everyone went to church on Sunday mornings and the smell of dinner wafted through the neighborhood.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

When I stayed with the sadness and pain, I recalled a time when an old boyfriend broke up with me.

HuffPost

However, I cannot recall a time when I regretted making a choice that I felt was right.

HuffPost

I can recall a time when I thought like this too.

The Guardian

"I hardly recall a time when he wasn't there," he said.

The Guardian

I do recall a time when player of the year awards were presented to footballers on the touchline after the pre-match warm-up.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I recall a time when" to introduce a personal anecdote or memory, providing context to your current discussion and enriching your narrative.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "I recall a time when". Vary your sentence structure by using alternatives like "I remember", or rephrasing to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I recall a time when" functions as an introductory clause, setting the stage for a personal anecdote or a reflective statement about a past experience. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is usable in written English and serves to introduce a memory.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Academia

7%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I recall a time when" serves as a useful phrase for introducing personal memories or anecdotes, primarily in news and media contexts. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Though not overly frequent, this phrase can add depth and personal connection to your writing. Remember to vary your sentence structure to avoid overuse and maintain reader engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I remember when

This alternative offers a more direct and simple way to express remembering something.

I think back to when

This phrase emphasizes the act of actively thinking about a past time.

I reminisce about when

This option conveys a sense of fondness or nostalgia when remembering.

I look back on the time when

This alternative highlights the perspective of reflecting on a past period.

In my memory, there was a time when

This phrase is a more formal and elaborate way of introducing a memory.

I can still picture when

This option emphasizes the vividness of the memory.

I have a memory of when

This is a more concise way of stating that you have a memory of a specific time.

I bring to mind a period when

This alternative suggests a deliberate effort to recall a specific time.

I reflect on the era when

This phrase implies a deeper contemplation of a past era.

It comes to mind that there was a time when

This alternative suggests that the memory is surfacing spontaneously.

FAQs

What does "I recall a time when" mean?

The phrase "I recall a time when" is used to introduce a memory or past experience, often to illustrate a point or provide context to a current situation.

How can I use "I recall a time when" in a sentence?

You can use the phrase to begin a sentence, followed by a description of the memory or experience you wish to share. For example, "I recall a time when we used to gather at my grandmother's house every Sunday."

What are some alternatives to "I recall a time when"?

You can use alternatives like "I remember when", "I think back to when", or "I reminisce about when" depending on the context.

Is it more formal to say "I recall a time when" or "I remember when"?

"I recall a time when" can be considered slightly more formal than "I remember when", but both are generally acceptable in most writing and speaking situations.