when i began

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence "when I began" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce a phrase or clause describing an event that has occurred in the past. Example: When I began my new job, I was excited about the opportunities it could provide.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"That's when I began teaching, very nervously.

The New York Times

When I began to make friends, writing was the vehicle.

The New Yorker

When I began, very few men came for therapy.

Independent

"That's when I began to question it all.

The Guardian - Sport

When I began hunting, I buried the lead-laden gutpiles.

The New York Times

When I began farming, farmers made a good living.

Independent

When I began it was only gunfire and bombs".

The Guardian

Nothing has changed very much since when I began.

The Guardian - Film

That's when I began to do my own thing.

The Guardian

"When I began shooting, I sometimes sounded like her.

The Guardian - Film

When I began birding, "water pipits" didn't even exist.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "when I began", ensure the subsequent clause clearly explains what happened or what was observed at that time to maintain clarity and context for the reader.

Common error

In formal or academic writing, consider using more precise alternatives like "initially" or "at the commencement of" to maintain a professional tone. Overuse of the personal "when I began" can make the writing seem less objective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when I began" functions as a temporal clause, introducing a timeframe relevant to the main clause. It sets the scene or provides context by indicating a starting point. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

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 began" serves as a temporal marker, introducing a clause that provides a reference point in time. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly in news and media contexts. While versatile, it's important to consider the formality of the writing when deciding whether to use this phrase or opt for a more professional alternative. As a personal expression, it effectively communicates experiences and observations tied to specific starting points.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as I started

Slightly alters the emphasis to the act of starting.

at the start

Directly indicates the beginning, but less personal.

in the beginning

A general way to refer to the start of something. Less specific.

in my early days

Focuses on the initial period of someone's involvement or experience.

from the outset

Highlights the initial stage or beginning of a process.

upon starting

More formal and focuses on the action of starting itself.

initially

Refers to the very first actions or thoughts; adverbial form.

at the commencement

Emphasizes a formal start; less personal than "when I began".

from the get-go

Informal way of saying from the very beginning

since inception

Emphasizes the period after something was created or started.

FAQs

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

You can use "when I began" to introduce a clause that describes a situation or action that occurred at the start of a particular period or activity. For example, "When I began learning to code, I found it very challenging".

What are some alternatives to "when I began"?

Alternatives include "as I started", "initially", or "at the start", depending on the context. These phrases can provide similar meaning while varying the style or formality of your writing.

Is "when I began" suitable for formal writing?

"When I began" is generally acceptable in most contexts, but for highly formal writing, consider using alternatives like "at the commencement of" or "upon starting" to maintain a more objective and professional tone.

How does "when I began" differ from "since I began"?

"When I began" refers specifically to the point in time that something started, whereas "since I began" refers to the period from the start to the present. For example, "When I began the project, I had little experience," but "Since I began the project, I've learned a great deal".