it all started when

USAGE SUMMARY

"it all started when" is correct and usable in written English.
For example, you could use it to start a sentence like "It all started when I met her for the first time." You could use this phrase at the beginning of a story to indicate the point where the story "begins".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

IT ALL started when solar development company PPA Partners, based in Morgan Hill, California, presented a unique solar project to Arizona Western College (AWC) in Yuma, Arizona.

Renewable Energy Focus

It all started when we hired Phil.

The New York Times - Sports

It all started when I was a little boy.

The New Yorker

For me it all started when Darren Lehmann took over.

The Guardian - Sport

It all started when I heard the doorbell go "ding".

The New Yorker

It all started when his son was born in 2003.

The Guardian

It all started when Senna joined McLaren in 1988.

The Guardian - Sport

And it all started when he was 12. Amazing.

The New York Times - Arts

It all started when I first moved to London.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It all started when I went there in 1986.

The Guardian

It all started when Aalborg gave it away stupidly.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it all started when" to create a narrative hook at the beginning of a story or explanation, drawing the reader in by setting the stage for a sequence of events.

Common error

Avoid beginning multiple consecutive sentences or paragraphs with "it all started when". Vary your sentence structure to maintain reader engagement and avoid monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it all started when" functions as a causal connector, introducing the initial event or circumstance that led to a particular outcome or series of events. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

99%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Less common in

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it all started when" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, that functions as a causal connector. It is primarily used to introduce the origin or beginning of a story or sequence of events, particularly in news and media contexts. While generally neutral in register, it is advisable to avoid overuse and consider more formal alternatives in academic or scientific writing. Using "it all started when" effectively helps establish a narrative hook, drawing the reader into the explanation or story.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it began with

Emphasizes the initial action or event that led to subsequent developments.

the origin was

Highlights the source or root cause of a situation.

the genesis occurred when

A more formal way of indicating the beginning or creation of something.

the catalyst was

Focuses on the trigger event that initiated a series of actions.

the root of it was

Identifies the fundamental cause or basis of a problem or situation.

the launchpad was

Implies a starting point that propelled further developments.

the trigger was

Singles out the event that immediately preceded and caused something else.

it stemmed from

Indicates that something originated or derived from a particular source.

the commencement was

A formal way to refer to the start of an event or process.

the kickoff was

Refers to the start or initiation of an activity or project.

FAQs

How can I use "it all started when" in a sentence?

Use "it all started when" to introduce the beginning of a series of events or a story. For example, "It all started when I decided to take a different route to work".

What phrases are similar to "it all started when"?

Similar phrases include "it began with", "the origin was", or "the genesis occurred when".

Is "it all started when" formal or informal?

"It all started when" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both informal and formal contexts, although more formal alternatives might be preferred in academic writing.

Can "it all started when" be used to describe negative events?

Yes, "it all started when" can introduce both positive and negative events. The phrase itself is neutral; the context determines the tone. For example, "It all started when the company made a series of poor investment decisions".