as a child you

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a child you" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing experiences, memories, or behaviors related to someone during their childhood. Example: "As a child you often dreamed of becoming an astronaut, didn't you?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

As a child you loved storytelling?

The Guardian - Film

Even as a child you sought to be invisible.

The New Yorker

As a child, you really think they are collectible.

The New York Times

As a child you just accept being one of three.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

As a child you don't think of those things.

The Guardian - Sport

As a child you are not bothered by such information.

The Guardian

"As a child, you need an escape, because everything was so gray," she said.

The New York Times

When you start acting as a child, you grow up ahead of your movies.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Of her own unconventional upbringing, she says: "As a child, you just know what you know.

The Guardian - Film

As a child you were asked to leave your Montessori school for lack of discipline.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"I went through that as a child -- you always feel abandoned".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as a child you", ensure the subsequent statement aligns with common or relatable childhood experiences to enhance reader connection.

Common error

Avoid assuming all childhood experiences are universal. Qualify statements to acknowledge diverse backgrounds and circumstances. Not all readers may relate directly to every experience described.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a child you" functions as an adverbial phrase introducing a clause that refers to a period in someone's past. It sets a temporal context for the statement that follows, often leading to a comparison with the present. Ludwig provides ample examples of its usage across varied topics.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Formal & Business

17%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as a child you" is a common and grammatically sound way to reference someone's past. As evidenced by Ludwig, it's frequently used in news and media, suitable for both informal and professional contexts. While versatile, be mindful of assuming universality in childhood experiences. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides examples demonstrating its widespread usage. Consider alternatives like "when you were young" or "during your childhood" for stylistic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

when you were young

Replaces the phrase with a more straightforward temporal clause.

during your childhood

Uses a possessive pronoun and noun to indicate the period of childhood.

in your early years

Focuses on the initial phase of life, implying a developmental stage.

as a youngster

Substitutes "child" with a synonym implying youth.

back when you were a kid

Informal phrasing emphasizing a past time.

in your childhood days

Adds a nostalgic tone by using "days".

when you were but a child

Emphasizes the innocence and smallness of childhood.

during your formative years

Highlights the impact of those years on development.

as someone growing up

Shifts focus to the process of maturation.

in your youth

Uses a more general term for the early period of life.

FAQs

How can I use "as a child you" in a sentence?

Use "as a child you" to introduce a memory or observation about someone's past, often contrasting it with their present self. For example, "As a child you loved playing in the rain, but now you prefer staying indoors."

What are some alternatives to "as a child you"?

You can use alternatives like "when you were young", "during your childhood", or "in your early years", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "when you were a child" instead of "as a child you"?

Yes, "when you were a child" is a grammatically correct and often more common alternative to "as a child you". Both phrases serve a similar function, but the former may sound more natural in certain contexts.

How does "as a child you" differ from "when you were a child"?

While both phrases are similar, "as a child you" can sometimes imply a sense of reflection or contrast between past and present, whereas "when you were a child" is a more straightforward temporal reference.