when it all began

USAGE SUMMARY

"when it all began" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the start or beginning of a particular event or situation. Here is an example: "When it all began, I was just a young and inexperienced intern at the company. Little did I know, that was the start of an incredible journey that would shape my career for years to come."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

That's when it all began.

The Guardian - Sport

Remember 93, when it all began.

The Guardian

"And that was when it all began," he said.

The New York Times

Chris Hughes was there when it all began.

The Times

I was about 27 when it all began getting too much for me.

Independent

"That was when it all began to unravel," Mr. Kim said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

But he's only playing, just fooling around, because he knows exactly when it all begins: it begins when he enters the water.

The New Yorker

Already a blue-chip advisory group is tackling a dozen issues, including who's covered, what counts and when it all begins.

The New York Times

The Premier League big guns may not enter the competition until January, but for League One and Two clubs this is when it all begins.

BBC

Not 'between a man and a woman' or 'between two people.' Now is when it all begins".

Huffington Post

You can't move forward until you get to the bottom of when and how it all began.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "when it all began" to add a touch of narrative or reflective tone to your writing, especially when discussing the origins or turning points of events.

Common error

Avoid using "when it all began" in highly formal or technical writing. Opt for more precise and professional alternatives like "at the commencement" or "from the outset" to maintain a more objective tone.

Linguistic Context

"When it all began" functions as a relative clause, often introducing a dependent clause that provides context or background information by specifying the time at which a series of events commenced. As Ludwig AI reports, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Science

4%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "when it all began" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to introduce the starting point of a narrative or explanation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is widely used, primarily in News & Media contexts, with a neutral register suitable for general writing. While versatile, it's best to avoid overuse in highly formal or technical contexts, opting instead for alternatives like "at the inception" or "from the outset". Remember to use this phrase when you want to add a touch of storytelling or reflective tone to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the beginning

A more general way to refer to the start of something.

at the start

Focuses on the initial point or commencement.

from the outset

Highlights the very beginning and implies a plan or intention from that point.

from day one

Emphasizes the continuous nature of something since its beginning.

at the inception

A more formal way to indicate the start or establishment of something.

the initial phase

Highlights the beginning stages or period.

how it originated

Focuses on the process or manner in which something started.

since its genesis

Highlights the origin or creation of something, often used in a more profound or impactful context.

the dawn of

Evokes a sense of a new beginning or era.

the origin story

Emphasizes the narrative or account of how something began.

FAQs

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

You can use "when it all began" to introduce the starting point of a story, event, or process. For example, "I remember "when it all began", we were just a small group of friends with a big dream".

What's a more formal alternative to "when it all began"?

For more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "at the inception", "from the outset", or "in the initial phase". These options provide a more professional tone while still conveying the idea of a beginning.

Is "when it all started" the same as "when it all began"?

Yes, "when it all started" is very similar in meaning to "when it all began". Both phrases refer to the commencement of an event or situation and are often interchangeable, though "when it all began" might carry a slightly more narrative or reflective tone.

How does the context affect the choice between "when it started" and "when it all began"?

In informal conversation, "when it started" is often sufficient. However, "when it all began" can add emphasis or a storytelling quality, implying a deeper reflection on the origin or initial conditions. Choose "when it all began" when you want to highlight the significance of the starting point.