this happened when

USAGE SUMMARY

"this happened when" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
For example, you could say, "This happened when we were on holiday last year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Usually this happened when someone unexpectedly asked what it was.

The New Yorker

"All this happened when he got released," Johnson said.

The New York Times

This happened when the family went shopping en masse.

The New York Times - Arts

Apparently, this happened when Columbus landed in America.

The New Yorker

This happened when he was ill with a sinus infection and strep throat in February 2010.

Harvard University

This happened when she was 23 and Kylie, of course, was a bridesmaid.

The Guardian - Music

"This happened when I was least expecting it," Gasol said of the trade.

The New York Times

"All this happened when Thailand was in a military lockdown and very difficult to get around".

The Guardian

This happened when heptachlor was given a tolerance, which later had to be revoked.

The New Yorker

"The sad part to me is that this happened when she finally got her due.

The New York Times

This happened when BP Psc ran out of nuclear fuel and expanded into its "red giant" phase.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this happened when" to provide context or explain the circumstances surrounding an event, ensuring clarity for the reader. It's particularly useful when narrating a sequence of events or explaining cause and effect.

Common error

Avoid overuse of "this happened when" in highly formal or academic writing. While grammatically correct, it can sometimes sound informal. Instead, opt for more sophisticated causal connectors or descriptive phrases to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this happened when" functions as a temporal conjunction, introducing a subordinate clause that specifies the time or circumstances under which an event occurred. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and examples show its use in providing contextual information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

18%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this happened when" is a versatile phrase used to connect events and provide context. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically sound and frequently used across various domains, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Academia. While it is generally acceptable, writers should consider the level of formality required and potentially opt for alternatives in highly formal contexts. Remember to use it to clearly explain the circumstances surrounding an event.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this occurred when

Replaces "happened" with the synonym "occurred", maintaining the same structure and meaning.

this took place when

Replaces "happened" with "took place", focusing on the event's occurrence.

this transpired when

Substitutes "happened" with "transpired", offering a slightly more formal tone.

this came about when

Uses the phrasal verb "came about" instead of "happened", indicating how something originated.

this unfolded when

Employs "unfolded" to suggest a gradual revelation or development of events.

it all started when

Highlights the beginning of a series of events.

the reason was that

Introduces a direct explanation for an event.

the cause of this was

Specifically points to the cause of a particular event.

as a result of

Indicates a direct consequence of a previous action or event.

consequently, this happened

Emphasizes that the event followed logically from a preceding action.

FAQs

How can I use "this happened when" in a sentence?

You can use "this happened when" to introduce the circumstances or time frame surrounding an event. For instance, "This happened when I was on vacation last summer."

What are some alternatives to "this happened when"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "this occurred when", "this transpired when", or "the cause of this was".

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "this happened when"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct, especially when introducing a subordinate clause that provides context. However, ensure the complete sentence makes sense and is not fragmented.

What is the difference between "this happened when" and "this occurred when"?

The difference is subtle. "Occurred" is slightly more formal than "happened", but both are generally interchangeable. "This occurred when" might be preferred in more formal writing.