when I entered

USAGE SUMMARY

"when I entered" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to introduce a specific instance of someone entering a place or situation, for example: "When I entered the room, I was surprised to see my best friend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I had no background when I entered.

Columbia University

"When I entered the room, I glided in," he said.

The New York Times - Science

"I basically quit when I entered grad school," he said.

The New York Times

"He lay on the bed when I entered.

Independent

When I entered Zimbabwe, therefore, I proceeded with some caution.

The New Yorker

When I entered high school, there were 1,700 students.

The New York Times

"It was like a wonderland when I entered," he said.

The New York Times

Back in the day when I entered New Faces..

The Guardian

Animotion's biggest hit, "Obsession," was playing when I entered.

The New York Times

The amazing moment was when I entered the arena.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I felt I was a guilty interloper when I entered the halls of musical academe.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "when I entered" to clearly establish a timeframe or sequence of events in your narrative.

Common error

Avoid using "when I entered" if the main clause does not logically follow from the act of entering. Ensure a clear connection between the entry and the subsequent event.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when I entered" functions as an adverbial clause of time, modifying the main clause by specifying when the action or state described in that clause occurred. It introduces a temporal context, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

27%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "when I entered" functions as an adverbial clause of time, setting a temporal context for a narrative. Ludwig examples indicate its common usage across various domains, most frequently in News & Media and Academia. The phrase has a neutral register, making it suitable for both formal and informal writing. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is a correct and usable part of a sentence, effectively introducing personal experiences and observations. When using this phrase, ensure a clear and logical connection between the entry and the subsequent event to avoid misuse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

upon my entering

Formal variation using a gerund phrase instead of a clause.

as I stepped into

Replaces "entered" with a more descriptive verb, emphasizing the physical act of entering.

on my arrival

Uses a noun phrase to indicate the time of arrival.

the moment I walked in

More informal and emphasizes the immediacy of the action.

once inside

Implies entry has already occurred, focusing on the state after entering.

as soon as I got in

Informal alternative, emphasizing speed of entry.

subsequent to my entry

Highly formal and emphasizes the sequence of events.

after crossing the threshold

Figurative language emphasizing transition.

with my arrival

Uses a prepositional phrase to indicate simultaneous action.

at the point of entry

Focuses on the specific location of entry rather than the action.

FAQs

How can I use "when I entered" in a sentence?

Use "when I entered" to introduce a situation or feeling experienced upon entering a place. For example, "When I entered the room, I felt a strange sensation."

What are some alternatives to "when I entered"?

You could use phrases like "upon my entering", "as I stepped into", or "on my arrival" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is there a difference between "when I entered" and "after I entered"?

While similar, "when I entered" implies that the main clause event occurred simultaneously or very shortly after the act of entering. "After I entered" places more emphasis on the subsequent nature of the event.

What's the best way to start a sentence with "when I entered"?

Make sure the main clause that follows "when I entered" directly relates to the act of entering or the immediate aftermath. This creates a clear and logical connection for the reader.