when I saw this

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "when I saw this" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a specific moment in the past when you observed something that prompted a reaction or thought. Example: "When I saw this, I couldn't help but smile at the creativity displayed in the artwork."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So when i saw this I said I had to play this.

Los Angeles Times

"I got angry when I saw this.

The New York Times - Arts

I was just a kid when I saw this".

The New Yorker

But when I saw this clip I was furious.

The Guardian - Opinion

"When I saw this spot, my heart started racing.

The New York Times

I was channel-flicking when I saw this documentary.

The Guardian

When I saw this ad I wanted to cheer.

The Guardian

"I loved her first film, but when I saw this one, my jaw dropped," she said.

The New York Times

"When I saw this video, I closed my eyes," Mr Salangi told Reuters.

Independent

I was skeptical, to say the least when I saw this little gadget.

The New York Times

So when I saw this footage I was like, "You cannot use it.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "when I saw this" with vivid descriptions to enhance the reader's understanding of the scene or event.

Common error

Avoid using "when I saw this" as a filler phrase. Ensure it genuinely introduces a significant moment or observation relevant to your narrative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when I saw this" functions as an adverbial clause of time, modifying the main clause of the sentence by specifying when something occurred. Ludwig shows numerous examples of its effective use across varied contexts.

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 saw this" is a grammatically sound and highly versatile way to introduce a personal observation or reaction, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is commonly used across various reputable sources, particularly in news and media. While it's appropriate for both informal and professional contexts, ensuring it genuinely enhances your narrative is crucial. The semantic relation includes "upon witnessing this" or "the moment I noticed this", offering nuanced alternatives for your writing. Remember to avoid overuse and focus on the phrase's power to connect your observations with your audience. Ludwig's AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in written English, so you can confidently incorporate it into your writing to effectively convey your experiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

upon witnessing this

Emphasizes the act of witnessing, offering a slightly more formal tone.

the moment I noticed this

Highlights the specific instant of noticing something.

on observing this

Similar to 'upon witnessing', but can imply a more detached or analytical perspective.

as soon as I laid eyes on this

Adds emphasis and a sense of immediacy to the moment of first seeing something.

the first time I viewed this

Focuses on the initial experience of viewing something, suitable when the context involves visual media or presentations.

when this came into my view

A more descriptive way of expressing that something was seen.

after having seen this

Emphasizes the completed action of seeing something before a subsequent action or realization.

following my observation of this

Formal and emphasizes the act of observing, suitable for academic or scientific contexts.

subsequent to seeing this

Formal and indicates that something happened after the act of seeing.

once I had sight of this

A somewhat archaic or literary way of saying 'once I saw this'.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "when I saw this" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "upon observing this" or "subsequent to seeing this".

What's a more emphatic alternative to "when I saw this"?

To add emphasis, you could say "as soon as I laid eyes on this" to highlight the immediacy of your reaction.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "when I saw this"?

Yes, starting a sentence with "when I saw this" is grammatically correct, as it introduces a dependent clause that sets the context for the main clause.

What's the difference between "when I saw this" and "after I saw this"?

"When I saw this" often implies a more immediate or direct connection between the observation and the subsequent reaction or thought, while "after I saw this" can indicate a slight delay or period of reflection.