it was there when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was there when" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something existed or was present at a specific time or event in the past. Example: "I remember the old tree; it was there when I was a child, providing shade during our summer picnics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

Officials attribute the program's success to its consultative approach that involves political and business leaders; to the country's small size; and to its timeliness, saying it was there when it was needed.

The New York Times

"It was there when I came.

The Economist

"It was there when I was playing.

Independent

It was there when he was in Laura's apartment.

The New York Times - Arts

It was there when he turned on the record player.

The New York Times - Arts

It was there when he went to bed but was missing by morning.

Princeton University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

And it's there when Keir Bowman realises his destiny.

The Guardian

"It's not for everyone, but it's there when you need it".

The New York Times

How can fish be scarce if it's there when you want it?

The New York Times

It is there when a midlevel black editor perceives her demotion as racially motivated.

The New York Times

It's there when he talks about growing up in Oyster Bay, big brother to four younger sisters; it's there when he talks about going into the military.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was there when" to provide a specific temporal context for an event or situation. This helps to establish a clear timeline and understanding for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "it was there when" as a vague or generic filler phrase. Ensure that the phrase adds meaningful information about the timing or context of the event being described.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was there when" functions as a temporal clause, introducing information about the timing or context of an event. As shown by Ludwig, it specifies when something existed or was present.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

93%

Science

2%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was there when" functions as a temporal clause, establishing a specific timeframe. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and versatility. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts. While generally neutral in register, be mindful of overusing it as a vague filler. Instead, leverage its ability to provide precise temporal context, enhancing clarity and understanding in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it existed at the time

Emphasizes the existence of something during a specific period.

it was present at that moment

Highlights the presence of something at a particular point in time.

it could be found then

Focuses on the ability to locate or discover something at a specific time.

it was available back then

Indicates the availability of something in the past.

it had already been there

Implies that something was present before a certain event or time.

it was in place at that juncture

Highlights the established presence of something at a particular stage.

it was around at the time

Suggests that something was in existence during the specified period.

it was to be found at that point

Focuses on the action of finding something existing at a time in the past.

it happened to be there

Emphasizes the incidental or coincidental presence of something.

at that time it was present

Reverse the structure of QUERY, but remain with almost the same meaning.

FAQs

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

You can use "it was there when" to indicate that something existed or was present at a specific time or event. For example, "The old oak tree, "it was there when" I was a child, provided shade during our summer picnics."

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

Alternatives include "it existed at the time", "it was present at that moment", or "it could be found then", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Each emphasizes a slightly different aspect of presence or existence at a particular time.

Is there a more formal way to express "it was there when"?

In more formal contexts, you might use phrases like "it was present at that juncture" or "it was in place at that juncture". These options offer a more sophisticated tone while conveying the same basic meaning.

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

"It was there when" refers to a past state or event, whereas "it is there when" refers to a current or ongoing state. For example, "It was there when I needed it last year" versus "It is there when I need it now."