back then when it

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "back then when it" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe something that happened in the past. For example, "Back then when it rained, I would take my dog for a walk everyday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

The agency's motto back then, when it came to such matters: "We're not Mossad".

The New York Times - Books

Was racial discrimination a factor back then when it came to getting credit?

The Guardian - Money

That was what none of us could say, for perhaps we couldn't articulate it back then, when it was not yet clear just how an education could change our lives, when we did not yet know, in real practical terms, how a degree from Cambridge would make you a fundamentally different person from someone who shared your bloodlines and DNA but who quit a rural Malaysian school at age seventeen.

The New Yorker

But there was a lot of that dreaming back then, when it really involved physical things as well as the automation.

Vice

It's really interesting to me is, because if you see Tim's and my [films], you'd understand how innocent the audience was back then when it demanded to have more of a family-friendly Batman.

Vice

It's really interesting to me is, because if you see Tim and my [films], you'd understand how innocent the audience was back then when it demanded to have more of a family-friendly Batman.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Back then, when I first heard it, I thought it was ridiculous.

Huffington Post

Because, back then when I started out, it was just different.

Huffington Post

Back then, when I was not, I was not thinking about it.

AIDS Care - Psychological and Socio-Medical Aspects of AIDS/HIV

Ironically, back then when I was "in the closet".

The New York Times

Back then, when I was young, I had trouble using the word "kill".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "back then when it", ensure that the temporal context is clear to avoid ambiguity. Providing specific details about the period can enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using multiple redundant temporal markers in the same sentence. For example, don't say "back then when it was in the past" as it repeats the same idea.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "back then when it" functions as an adverbial phrase introducing a temporal clause. It specifies a particular time in the past, setting the context for the main clause. As Ludwig AI says, it is generally correct in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "back then when it" serves as a conjunction phrase that sets a temporal context in the past. As Ludwig AI confirms, this expression is generally correct and usable in written English, especially in news-related contexts. To ensure clarity, it is best practice to use specific details to avoid ambiguity and redundant language. Alternatives such as "at that time when it" or "in those days when it" can offer different shades of meaning or formality. While the phrase is commonly used, be mindful of potential redundancies and choose the most fitting alternative based on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at that time when it

Substitutes "back then" with "at that time", focusing on a specific point in the past.

in those days when it

Replaces "back then" with "in those days", emphasizing a period in the past.

during that period when it

Uses a more formal tone to specify the temporal context.

in the past when it

Offers a general reference to a time before the present.

back in the day when it

Uses a more colloquial expression for "back then".

formerly when it

Provides a more formal alternative indicating a previous state or time.

previously when it

Offers another formal alternative similar to 'formerly'.

in earlier times when it

Emphasizes that the event happened in an epoch before the present one.

before now when it

Highlights the contrast between then and now.

in bygone days when it

Evokes a sense of nostalgia and past times.

FAQs

How can I use "back then when it" in a sentence?

Use "back then when it" to refer to a specific period in the past where a condition or event occurred. For instance, "Back then when it snowed, the town looked magical".

What's a more formal alternative to "back then when it"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "at that time when it" or "during that period when it" to maintain a professional style.

Is "back then when it" always grammatically correct?

While "back then when it" is generally acceptable, ensure the sentence structure is clear and logical. Avoid redundancy by not repeating temporal references unnecessarily. For instance saying "back then when it happened in the past" is redundant.

How does "back then when it" differ from "in those days when it"?

"Back then when it" and "in those days when it" are quite similar, but "in those days when it" can sometimes evoke a slightly stronger sense of nostalgia or a more distant past.