When I studied

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "When I studied" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific time in the past when you were engaged in studying or learning something. Example: "When I studied biology in college, I developed a strong interest in genetics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"When I studied I was the only female student in my class.

The New York Times

When I studied Oklahoma history--a requirement--I recognized a protesting-too-much quality about the endeavor.

The New Yorker

"When I studied anthropology in the Sixties, stories of fire-walking were considered to be hoaxes or fantasies.

The Guardian - Books

"When I studied the writings and made the connection, it made the hair on my arms stand up".

The New York Times

When I studied performing arts at Middlesex University I lived in a two-bedroom flat with three other students.

Independent

When I studied nanoparticles, I realized that they can selectively scatter light of a particular color while being transparent to other colors of light.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

When I studied photonic crystals, I came across structures that are capable of confining light at an angle and wavelength where light typically cannot be confined.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

When I studied abroad, I was aware always of the distance between me and the Senegalese, no matter the shared bonds of heritage.

The New Yorker

When I studied this subject at the Institute of Education, we found no doubt as to the best-run, most stable schools.

The Guardian - Opinion

When I studied with Boris 12 years ago, the lesson vocabulary was thick with the clichés of Cold War saber rattling.

The New York Times - Travel

"When I studied in Tsinghua, the vigorous youth ideal and rigorous scholarship deeply nurtured us," he said.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the sentence following "When I studied" clearly states the subject or field of study, along with a specific outcome, realization, or experience you gained.

Common error

Avoid using "When I studied" without specifying the subject or context. For example, instead of saying "When I studied, I learned a lot", be specific: "When I studied biology, I learned about genetics".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "When I studied" functions as an adverbial clause of time, setting the temporal context for the main clause. It introduces a specific period in the past when the speaker was engaged in learning, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Academia

20%

Science

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "When I studied" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to provide temporal context and background information. It functions as an adverbial clause of time, setting the stage for a statement based on past learning experiences. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts. The phrase is appropriate for both formal and informal settings, with a neutral register. While widely used, it is best practice to specify the subject or field of study to avoid vague references. Alternatives such as "during my studies" or "while I was studying" can be used for variety. The analysis reveals that the phrase is particularly frequent in news media and academic contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

While I was studying

This alternative uses a continuous tense to emphasize the ongoing nature of the study period.

When I was a student

This phrase emphasizes the state of being a student at a particular time.

During my studies

This phrase replaces "when I studied" with a more concise expression using a possessive pronoun and noun, focusing on the period of learning.

Back when I studied

This adds a nostalgic tone, referring to a past period of study.

As a student

This option shortens the phrase while maintaining the meaning related to one's time as a student.

In the course of my studies

This option is a formal way of expressing the period during which studies took place.

In my student days

This phrase refers to the time when one was a student, implying a period of studying.

My time as a student

This alternative focuses on the period spent as a student, without directly mentioning the act of studying.

During my academic career

This alternative is more formal and refers to the entire period of academic studies.

Studying...

Using a gerund, it concisely implies a period of study before providing further context.

FAQs

How can I use "When I studied" in a sentence?

Use "When I studied" to introduce a past learning experience that provides context for a current statement. For example, "When I studied abroad, I gained a new perspective on global issues."

What are some alternatives to "When I studied"?

You can use alternatives like "during my studies", "while I was studying", or "as a student" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "When I studied" in formal writing?

Yes, "When I studied" is appropriate in formal writing, especially when providing background or explaining the basis of your knowledge. More formal alternatives include "in the course of my studies" or "during my academic career".

What's the difference between "When I studied" and "While I was studying"?

"When I studied" introduces a specific point in time when you were engaged in studies, whereas "While I was studying" emphasizes the continuous nature of the study period. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight a specific event or the overall process.