when I mentioned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "when I mentioned" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a previous statement or topic that you brought up in conversation or writing. Example: "When I mentioned the project deadline, I didn't realize how tight it was."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

When I mentioned press reports of "M.

The New York Times - Magazine

When I mentioned that song, McKenzie laughed.

The New York Times - Magazine

When I mentioned this, Wagstaff smiled.

The New Yorker

When I mentioned children, their jaws dropped.

The Guardian - Opinion

Jaara nodded when I mentioned his name.

The New York Times - Magazine

When I mentioned the dreaded bob – well, he lost it.

Independent

When I mentioned this to Nickell, he was genuinely surprised.

The New Yorker

When I mentioned the review to Arcangel, he wasn't ruffled.

The New Yorker

Later, when I mentioned Lonergan's disposition to Hamilton, he laughed.

The New York Times - Magazine

"A thousand?" he said, when I mentioned the tour group.

The New Yorker

But that changed, he said, "when I mentioned Frank's name".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "when I mentioned" with specific details about the context of the mention to enhance understanding. For example, specify the date, location, or situation in which the mention occurred.

Common error

Ensure that it is immediately clear what you are referring to. Avoid vague references or assumptions that the reader will remember a distant or unclear prior statement. Provide enough context to make the connection obvious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when I mentioned" functions as an introductory clause, typically a subordinate clause, that sets the stage for the main clause by referring to a prior statement or topic introduced by the speaker or writer. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0.5%

Wiki

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "when I mentioned" serves as a clear and effective way to refer back to a prior statement, predominantly in news and media contexts. Ludwig AI confirms that its grammatical structure is correct and its frequency is very common. While considered neutral in tone, writers should be mindful of maintaining clarity and avoiding ambiguity when using the phrase. Consider alternative phrases such as "upon mentioning" or "after stating", depending on the intended level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

upon mentioning

This alternative uses a more formal prepositional phrase to introduce the mention of something.

having brought up

This alternative emphasizes the action of introducing a topic.

once I had mentioned

This alternative adds emphasis on the completion of the act of mentioning.

after bringing up

Similar to 'having brought up', but indicates sequence of actions.

after stating

This focuses on the act of stating something previously, providing a slightly different emphasis.

following my mention of

This is a more formal and somewhat indirect way of referring to a prior statement.

when I alluded to

This implies a more subtle or indirect reference.

as I pointed out

This phrase emphasizes the act of drawing attention to something, similar to mentioning it.

in reference to what I said

This emphasizes the connection to a past utterance.

referring to my previous statement

This is a more explicit and formal way to link back to something that was already said.

FAQs

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

Use "when I mentioned" to refer back to something you previously said. For example, "When I mentioned the deadline, I didn't realize it was so soon."

What are some alternatives to "when I mentioned"?

Alternatives include "upon mentioning", "after stating", or "having brought up", depending on the context.

Is it okay to start a sentence with "when I mentioned"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to start a sentence with "when I mentioned", especially when you want to emphasize the timing or connection to a previous statement. For example, "When I mentioned the issue, everyone became silent."

How formal is the phrase "when I mentioned"?

The phrase "when I mentioned" is generally considered neutral in formality. It's suitable for most writing and conversational contexts, though more formal alternatives like "following my mention of" might be preferred in highly formal settings.