when I was a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "when I was a" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a reminiscence or a description of a past experience related to a specific time in one's life. Example: "When I was a child, I loved to play outside with my friends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not just when I was a girl.

The New York Times - Arts

Like when I was a child?

The New York Times

I did when I was a player.

Independent

That was when I was a child.

The New Yorker

"All right, when I was a teenager".

The New York Times - Arts

"When I was a baby".

The New York Times

When I Was a Boy".

The New Yorker

When I was a child.

The Guardian - Music

Mine died when I was a schoolboy.

The New York Times - Books

"Except when I was a little kid".

The New York Times - Sports

"When I was a kid," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Follow "when I was a" with a specific noun (e.g., child, student, teenager) to clearly define the time period you're referencing.

Common error

Avoid using "when I was a" without specifying a noun to define the time period. For example, instead of saying "When I was a, things were different", specify "When I was a child, things were different" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when I was a" functions as a subordinating conjunction introducing a dependent clause. It provides a temporal context, setting the stage for an event or state that occurred in the past. Ludwig AI indicates this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "when I was a" is a common and grammatically sound way to introduce memories, experiences, or states from one's past. It functions as a subordinating conjunction, setting a temporal context for narratives across both formal and informal registers. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely used and accepted in English writing. While alternatives like "during my childhood" or "in my youth" exist, "when I was a" offers a versatile starting point for personal storytelling and historical context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a child

Directly states the time as a child, offering a straightforward alternative.

when I was growing up

Focuses on the process of maturing and developing from childhood to adulthood.

during my childhood

Refers specifically to the period of childhood, making it suitable for childhood-related memories.

as a youngster

Similar to 'as a child' but with a slightly more informal tone.

in my youth

Focuses on the period of being young, often used to describe memories from adolescence or early adulthood.

in my formative years

Highlights the period of life when a person's character and values are developed.

in my younger days

Emphasizes a time in the past when the speaker was younger, suitable for reflecting on earlier periods of life.

during my school years

Refers specifically to the time when the speaker was attending school.

earlier in life

A general phrase referring to a point in the speaker's past.

back in the day

An informal expression indicating a time in the past, often with a nostalgic tone.

FAQs

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

Use "when I was a" to introduce a memory or experience from a particular time in your life. For instance, "When I was a child, I loved to play outside" or "When I was a student, I studied hard".

What are some alternatives to using "when I was a"?

Alternatives include phrases like "during my childhood", "in my youth", or "as a child", depending on the specific time frame you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "when I was a"?

Yes, the phrase "when I was a" is grammatically correct when followed by a noun (e.g., "when I was a teenager", "when I was a boy"). It introduces a dependent clause that provides context to a main clause.

What's the difference between "when I was a child" and "during my childhood"?

"When I was a child" introduces a clause that often leads into a specific memory or event, while "during my childhood" refers to a broader period of time, often used to describe general habits or conditions.