when I first started

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "when I first started" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the initial time or moment when you began an activity, job, or project. Example: "When I first started my job, I felt overwhelmed by the new responsibilities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That was when I first started out.

The New York Times - Magazine

That's when I first started to cry".

The New Yorker

I remember when I first started there.

The Guardian - Opinion

That's when I first started visiting them.

The New York Times - Magazine

"When I first started, negative comments affected me," he admits.

Independent

When I first started running, I couldn't run long distances.

The New Yorker

When I first started Skyping, everyone looked good.

The New York Times

"When I first started, I just wanted to be perfect.

The New York Times - Arts

"It really affected me when I first started.

The New Yorker

When I first started reading bad reviews I was hurt.

The Guardian

When I first started, I wasn't a good defensive outfielder.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "when I first started" to clearly indicate the initial phase of an activity, providing context for subsequent actions or changes. For instance, "When I first started learning to code, I struggled with syntax, but now I find it quite intuitive."

Common error

Ensure that the timeframe referenced by "when I first started" is clear to the reader. Avoid vague references that could cause confusion about the specific period being discussed. For example, instead of saying "Things were different when I first started", specify "Things were different when I first started working here in 2010".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when I first started" functions as an introductory clause, typically setting the scene or providing context for a subsequent statement. As Ludwig AI suggests, it introduces a temporal reference point.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "when I first started" is a grammatically correct and highly common way to introduce a past state or experience. As shown by Ludwig AI, it's frequently used in news and media contexts to set the stage for a narrative or to contrast past and present situations. While its register is generally neutral, more formal alternatives may be preferred in academic writing. When using this phrase, ensure clarity in the timeframe and avoid ambiguity. Common alternatives include "initially upon beginning" or "at the onset", depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

when I initially began

Emphasizes the starting point with a more formal tone using "initially began".

in my early days

Focuses on a period of time at the beginning of an endeavor.

at the beginning for me

Highlights a personal perspective on the starting phase.

when I got underway

Implies the start of a journey or project.

upon my commencement

Uses more formal language to refer to a beginning.

as I embarked on this

Adds a sense of adventure or commitment to the start.

from the inception

Highlights the very initial point of something.

in the nascent phase

Refers to an early, undeveloped stage.

when I broke ground

Emphasizes the beginning of a project or initiative.

at the launch

Suggests a formal or public beginning.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "when I first started" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "upon commencement" or "initially upon beginning", which add a sense of seriousness and professionalism.

Is "when I first started" suitable for academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "when I first started" might be considered too informal for some academic contexts. Opt for alternatives such as "initially", "at the onset", or "in the early stages" to maintain a scholarly tone.

What's a more concise alternative to "when I first started"?

For brevity, try using "initially" or "at first" as replacements, especially if the context already implies that you're referring to the beginning of an activity or period.

How does the meaning of "when I first started" change if I use "when I started first"?

The phrase "when I started first" is grammatically awkward and less common. It doesn't clearly convey the intended meaning of "when I first started", which specifies the initial point of beginning an activity or endeavor. It's best to stick to the standard and more understandable phrasing.