it was then when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was then when" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an event that happened at a specific point in time. For example, "It was then when the crowd erupted in applause."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

Its waiting room is as busy as it was then when Citizens Advice helped 14,000 people.

The Guardian

It was then when a problem was discovered.

Cornell University

It was then when I went on a run.

Independent

It was then, when you looked around the congregation, the most tears appeared in people's eyes".

Independent

It was then when Mayer climbed past Warner into silver position with a 5.40m clearance.

The Guardian - Sport

He told them that it was then, when he finally got back, that he cried.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

It's then — when there are still a disproportionate number of picture cards and tens left to be played — that a card counter dramatically raises his bets.

The New York Times

How sad it is, then, when the product or service is finally introduced and the only reaction in the marketplace is a resounding ker-flop.

Harvard Business Review

If you think it is, then when you look into outer space the stars appear to be billions of years old.

The Guardian

And you say to yourself 'here I have everything!' But then that final point is missing and it's then when you have to make a decision: either go out and win or develop players".

Independent

It is then when his second chance is most likely to be judged.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was then when", ensure that the sentence clearly establishes the context and significance of the event being described. This phrase is most effective when it highlights a turning point or a moment of realization.

Common error

Avoid using "it was then when" in simple narratives where a more direct chronological phrasing would suffice. Overusing this phrase can make your writing sound repetitive and less engaging. Instead, consider using simpler alternatives like "then" or "at that moment".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was then when" functions as an adverbial phrase introducing a clause that specifies the time at which a particular event or realization occurred. It provides emphasis on the timing of the event, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was then when" is a grammatically sound phrase used to emphasize a specific moment in time. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in English. Its primary function is to highlight the timing of a significant event or realization, commonly found in news and media contexts. While useful for adding emphasis, it's important to avoid overuse and consider simpler phrasing options like "then" or "at that moment" for clearer and more concise writing. Remember to use "it was then when" when you want to draw specific attention to a turning point in a narrative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that's when it happened

Replaces the initial phrase with a more direct declaration of the event's timing.

that was the moment

Emphasizes the specific point in time when something significant occurred.

it all started then

Highlights the beginning of a series of events from that particular time.

it began at that time

Similar to 'it all started then' but with a slightly more formal tone.

that was when it became clear

Focuses on the moment of realization or understanding.

then i realized

Shifts the perspective to a personal realization at a specific time.

that's when i understood

Similar to 'then I realized' but emphasizes understanding.

it was at that point that

A more formal way of indicating a specific moment in time.

the time had come when

Indicates the arrival of a long-awaited or decisive moment.

at that juncture

A more concise and formal alternative to specify a particular point in time.

FAQs

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

Use "it was then when" to emphasize a specific moment or turning point. For example, "It was then when I realized the importance of hard work."

What are some alternatives to "it was then when"?

You can use alternatives such as "that was the moment", "that's when it happened", or "at that point" depending on the context.

Is "it was then when" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it was then when" is grammatically correct, although sometimes simpler phrasing might be more effective. The phrase is used to highlight a specific point in time when something occurred.

What is the difference between "it was then when" and "then"?

"It was then when" is more emphatic and specific, highlighting a particular moment. "Then" is a more general chronological marker. Using "it was then when" can add emphasis and importance to the moment being described compared to simply using "then".