when I first was

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "when I first was" is not standard in written English and may sound awkward or incomplete.
It can be used in contexts where someone is reflecting on a past experience or state of being, but it typically requires additional context to clarify its meaning. Example: "When I first was in college, I felt overwhelmed by the new environment."

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

"When I first was asked, I said: 'Really?

The New York Times - Sports

"I remember when I first was getting on Twitter and he was like: '140 characters?

The New York Times - Sports

''I remember when I first was working on my doctorate,'' she said.

The New York Times - Magazine

He was the Phillies' manager when I first was traded to the team in the winter of 1997.

The New York Times

I had seven years out of work when I first was disabled, but, through work, I was starting to feel like a proper person.

The Guardian

I was reminded of these words by a certain Mr Paine when I first was passed this letter during a Westminster debate on youth unemployment.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Here we go, is it twenty-two…yeah twenty-two years later, no not really much closer than what they were when I first [was diagnosed] I just wish they'd find a cure…I wish to God that they would.

BMJ Open

"That," he said, "was when I first thought he was going to be a high jumper".

The Guardian - Sport

I was horrified when I first realised that is what I was being accused of.

The Guardian - Sport

The biggest challenge was when I first started I was the only female.

Huffington Post

I could barely breathe and that is when I first thought I was going to die".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using alternative phrasings like "when I first started" or "when I initially became" for improved clarity and flow.

Common error

Avoid using "when I first was" in formal writing. Opt for more direct and common alternatives to maintain a polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when I first was" functions as an adverbial clause of time, setting the temporal context for the main clause. As Ludwig AI points out, it's often used to describe the initial state or period when something began. However, it's not always the most elegant or common choice.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "when I first was" functions as an adverbial clause of time, typically found in news and media contexts. Although grammatically acceptable, Ludwig AI suggests that it can sound awkward and may be better replaced by alternatives like "when I first started" or "when I initially became" for improved clarity and flow. While understandable, opting for more direct and common alternatives maintains a more polished and professional tone. The usage frequency of the phrase is common.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

when I initially was

Replaces 'first' with 'initially' to emphasize the beginning.

when I started out being

Focuses on the commencement of a state or identity.

when I was originally

Highlights the original state or condition.

in my initial state of

More formal and emphasizes the condition.

at the beginning of being

Emphasizes the temporal start of a state.

upon first becoming

Highlights the transition into a new state.

at the time I began being

Specifies the time of the beginning.

when I had just become

Focuses on the recent change into a state.

in the early days of being

Evokes a sense of time passing since the start.

at the inception of my being

A more abstract and philosophical take on the phrase.

FAQs

What's a clearer alternative to "when I first was"?

Consider using phrases like "when I first started", "when I began", or "when I initially became" for improved clarity.

Is "when I first was" grammatically incorrect?

While not strictly incorrect, "when I first was" can sound awkward. Using stronger verbs like "started" or "became" often results in a more natural sentence structure.

How can I use "when I first was" in a sentence?

You can use "when I first was" to describe an initial state or experience, such as, "When I first was involved, the project was in its early stages."

What’s the difference between "when I first was" and "when I first started"?

"When I first started" generally sounds more natural and direct. It specifies an action that initiated something, whereas "when I first was" describes an initial state of being.