I recall that when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I recall that when" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express a memory or recollection of a specific event or situation that occurred at a certain time. Example: "I recall that when we first met, you mentioned your love for hiking."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

I recall that when writing the book I felt that anything less than this moral defiance was unworthy of him.

The Guardian - Books

If they have anything about them, they will rise to the challenge and I recall that when Thierry Henry left Arsenal, everyone thought they were finished.

The Guardian - Sport

I recall that when I took a required course in business ethics in the late 1980's, students had very little interest in the course.

The New York Times

I recall that, when I lived in France, we would watch the Super Bowl in the middle of the night — they hadn't sold any commercial time, of course — and the space between plays, the ad space, would go on and on and on and on and on.

The New Yorker

And I recall that when the music started and all the children and the mothers were obediently dancing and swaying to the carefully calibrated, fantastically educational music (Learn your letters! Your colors! All while dancing!), I felt someone pulling on my skirt, and looking down, I saw Charlotte with that same steadfast look around her mouth.

The New York Times

I recall that when Bill Ford took over as CEO he said that he would make Ford and Ford cars green.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Malcolm X would later recall that "when Butterfly McQueen went into her act, I felt like crawling under the rug".

Wikipedia

I almost never think about that first summer internship, but I recall that summer often when I pick up the newspaper or talk to two of the dear friends I made there, and always when I consider the kind of mentor I would want to be — like Jane, generous and full of faith.

The New York Times

I recalled that when Henry James finally renounced working in the theatre a friend asked him whether he could explain why his plays were flops.

The New Yorker

Reading the fabuloso Barbara Ras poem "Washing the Elephant" in last week's issue, I recalled that when I lived way west on Forty-seventh Street, in the late nineteen-forties, I would sometimes come on those same Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey elephants coming down Ninth Avenue very late at night, on their way to Madison Square Garden for the opening of another circus season.

The New Yorker

Still, when I recall that time in New York — the intense friendships, the death, loss, the possibility of life — I think, how I wish we could have had Andrew in our lives, and that he could have had us in his.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I recall that when" to introduce a specific memory or anecdote related to a particular time or event. This can add a personal touch to your writing and make it more engaging for the reader.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences or paragraphs with "I recall that when". Vary your sentence structure by using synonyms or rephrasing to prevent monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I recall that when" functions as an introductory phrase that sets the stage for a memory or recollection. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is typically used to introduce a dependent clause that specifies the circumstances surrounding the remembered event.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I recall that when" serves as a grammatically sound and commonly used introductory phrase to share past experiences. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and provides relevant examples. While adaptable across various contexts, it is most frequently encountered in News & Media and Science publications. To avoid redundancy, consider alternatives such as "I remember when" or "As I recall, when". Employing "I recall that when" thoughtfully enriches writing with personal anecdotes and contextual details.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I remember when

Slightly less formal and more direct in expressing a memory.

I recollect that when

More formal and emphasizes a more deliberate act of remembering.

As I recall, when

Adds a touch of uncertainty or qualification to the memory.

My recollection is that when

More formal and focuses on the personal act of remembering.

If I remember correctly, when

Highlights the possibility of the memory being inaccurate.

Thinking back, when

Emphasizes the act of reflecting on a past event.

Looking back, when

Similar to 'thinking back', but with a broader perspective.

I can still picture that when

Highlights the vividness of the memory.

I haven't forgotten when

Emphasizes the lasting impact of the event.

It comes to mind that when

Suggests the memory has spontaneously surfaced.

FAQs

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

You can use "I recall that when" to introduce a memory or recollection connected to a specific point in time. For example, "I recall that when we first met, it was raining."

What are some alternatives to "I recall that when"?

Alternatives include phrases like "I remember when", "As I recall, when", or "if I remember correctly, when". The best choice depends on the context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "I recall that when"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase introduces a dependent clause that provides context for the recollection.

What's the difference between "I recall that when" and "I remember when"?

While similar, "I recall that when" often suggests a more deliberate or formal act of bringing something to mind compared to the more casual "I remember when".