when I first went

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "when I first went" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to an initial experience or visit to a place or event in the past. Example: "When I first went to Paris, I was amazed by the beauty of the Eiffel Tower."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But when I first went, I found nobody cared.

The New York Times

I was twenty-four when I first went to Iraq.

The New York Times

When I first went, you couldn't get fencing.

Independent

Things were a little crazy when I first went back.

The Guardian - Sport

"When I first went to the doctor, I felt terrible.

The New York Times - Sports

When I first went to junior school, everyone was equal.

The Guardian

When I first went freelance I was a busy fool.

The Guardian - Money

I was very vulnerable when I first went.

The Guardian - Film

I can remember the shock when I first went there.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

When I first went I thought it was insane and I was so overwhelmed.

Independent

We had a lovely headmaster when I first went to Abergele Grammar, DB Jones.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "when I first went", ensure the context clearly establishes the place or situation you are referring to. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "when I first went" without specifying the location or context. A vague reference can confuse the reader and diminish the impact of your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when I first went" functions as an adverbial clause of time, indicating the specific moment an initial experience occurred. Examples from Ludwig show its usage in various personal narratives. According to Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "when I first went" serves as a temporal marker to introduce initial experiences or visits. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It is frequently employed in news and media contexts, providing a personal perspective or historical reference. While generally neutral in register, ensuring clarity in context is crucial for effective communication. Related phrases include "the first time I visited" and "upon my initial visit", offering similar ways to convey the idea of an initial experience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the first time I visited

This alternative uses a more direct construction to describe the first instance of visiting a place.

upon my initial visit

This phrase replaces "when" with "upon" and uses "initial visit" to convey the first experience.

when I began going

This alternative emphasizes the commencement of a series of visits rather than a single, isolated event.

on my first occasion there

This phrase emphasizes the first opportunity or instance of being in a specific location.

the first instance I was there

Focuses on a unique instance in time

during my initial introduction

This focuses on the moment of being introduced to a place or situation for the first time.

in my early experiences there

This alternative broadens the scope to include early experiences, not just the very first one.

at my arrival

Expresses the time of someone's arrival at a place

at the beginning of my time there

This highlights the start of an extended period spent in a particular location.

my initial exposure involved

Focuses on the initial experience as an exposure. It works if the phrase follows by something you were exposed to. Like a culture or something similar.

FAQs

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

Use "when I first went" to describe an initial experience or visit, as in "When I first went to Italy, I was struck by the architecture".

What are some alternatives to "when I first went"?

Alternatives include "the first time I visited", "upon my initial visit", or "on my first occasion there", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "when I first went" formal or informal?

"When I first went" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives might exist for specific situations.

What's the difference between "when I first went" and "when I first came"?

"When I first went" implies a journey or visit to a place, while "when I first came" can also imply arrival or origin in a more general sense. The choice depends on whether you are emphasizing the act of going somewhere.