from when I was young

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "from when I was young" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a period of time from one's childhood or early days as a contrast to the present moment. For example, "I've been playing the guitar from when I was young, so I'm quite confident at it now."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Things have changed a mite from when I was young.

The New Yorker

"Yes, from when I was young," laughs Touré.

The Guardian - Film

I remember smells from when I was young.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Where does your attitude come from?" "When I was young, I was very soft.

The New Yorker

"There's always been pressure, to be honest, on me from when I was young," he said.

The Guardian - Sport

I remember the pictures of his saffron cloth burning from when I was young.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

"My memories are all messed up from when I was younger," Tashi Wheeler told me, cheerfully.

The New Yorker

"I don't have a picture of me from when I was younger.

The New York Times

I've liked doing the same things from when I was younger to now.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I do think my status within my family and my society has improved from when I was younger.

The Guardian

"I felt kind of surprised because I remember old phone numbers from when I was younger, like my first phone number," she said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "from when I was young", ensure the context clearly contrasts past experiences or perspectives with the present. This helps emphasize how time and experience have shaped your current views or actions.

Common error

Avoid incorrectly using "from when I was young" to describe actions that are currently happening. It should only refer to past experiences, not present activities. For instance, do not say "I am learning from when I was young"; instead, say "I learned this from when I was young".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "from when I was young" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by specifying a time frame. As Ludwig AI indicates, it contrasts past experiences with the present. Examples show it setting context for memories or influences.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "from when I was young" is a common and grammatically correct way to refer to a time in one's past, typically childhood or early youth. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's often used to contrast past experiences with the present, providing context or background. Predominantly found in news and media sources, its register is generally neutral, making it suitable for various contexts. Consider related phrases like "in my youth" or "during my childhood" for nuanced alternatives. Be mindful to use it correctly to refer to past experiences, not current actions, and avoid confusion with present continuous tenses. Using this phrase effectively enhances the narrative by connecting personal history with present perspectives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

when I was a child

Directly refers to the time when the speaker was a child.

during my childhood

Specifically references the period of childhood, making it more precise.

when I was little

Uses a more colloquial and endearing term for a time in one's youth.

in my youth

Focuses specifically on the period of youth, implying a stage of life.

in my formative years

Focuses on the period of life that significantly shaped one's character.

in my early years

Highlights the initial phase of life, focusing on development and beginnings.

back in my younger days

Emphasizes a return to a past time, adding a nostalgic tone.

from my earliest memories

Emphasizes the starting point of remembered experiences.

as a youngster

Uses a more informal term for a young person.

in my adolescence

Specifies the period of adolescence, suitable for contexts related to teenage experiences.

FAQs

How can I use "from when I was young" in a sentence?

Use "from when I was young" to refer back to experiences or lessons learned during your youth that have influenced your present self. For example, "I still remember the advice I got "from when I was young"".

What's a more formal way to say "from when I was young"?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "during my childhood" or "in my early years" to maintain a professional tone. These alternatives, unlike "from when I was young", offer a slightly more elevated style.

Is "from when I was younger" interchangeable with "from when I was young"?

While similar, "from when I was younger" often implies a slightly later stage than "from when I was young". "From when I was young" typically refers to childhood, while "from when I was younger" can extend into adolescence or early adulthood.

What prepositions can I use with "when I was young"?

You can use prepositions like "from", "since", or "during" with "when I was young" to add different nuances to your sentences. For example, ""from when I was young"", "since when I was young", and "during when I was young" can all work, depending on your intended meaning.