when it was

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "when it was" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to an event or situation that happened in the past. For example: I still remember when it was my first day of school.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

When it was made?

The New York Times

When it was switched off?

The New Yorker

Until later, when it was.

The New York Times - Sports

Even when it was wrong.

The New Yorker

"When it was too late".

The New Yorker

Appear when it was due.

Harvard University

When it was over, I had sex.

The New Yorker

"Wow!" Wright said when it was over.

The New Yorker

When it was over, it was midnight.

The New York Times - Travel

When it was good, I was entranced.

The New Yorker

Alexandra was thrilled when it was repaired.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "when it was", ensure that the subsequent clause clearly explains the state or condition at that particular time.

Common error

Avoid using "when it was" without a clear reference to what "it" refers to. Ensure that the antecedent is easily identifiable to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when it was" functions as a temporal adverbial clause, providing context about the timing of an event or state. According to Ludwig, it's a correct and frequently used construction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "when it was" is a grammatically sound and commonly used temporal clause. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread application across various domains. It serves to provide a time frame, context or background to events, as evidenced by numerous examples from reputable sources like The New York Times, BBC and The Guardian. Usage is versatile, ranging from news reporting to academic writing and even informal conversations. When using "when it was", ensure clarity and avoid ambiguous references to the subject. Understanding these nuances ensures effective communication and prevents common errors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the time it happened

Focuses on the specific moment of an event.

as it used to be

Implies a comparison between a past and present state.

while it remained

Suggests a continuous state that has ended.

back when it was

Informal way to refer to a past time.

at the point that it was

Highlights a precise moment in the past.

during its existence

Emphasizes the period that something was in effect.

when it had been

Emphasizes a state prior to another past event.

in the era it existed

Highlights a particular historical period.

in the days it flourished

Suggests a past period of prosperity or success.

during the period it stood

Focuses on the time when something was established or valid.

FAQs

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

Use "when it was" to introduce a clause that describes a condition or state at a specific time in the past. For example, "I remember "when it was" much colder last winter."

What are some alternatives to "when it was"?

Alternatives include "at the time", "during that period", or "back "when it used to be"" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "when it were" instead of "when it was"?

No, ""when it was"" is the correct grammatical form. "When it were" is generally incorrect in standard English.

What's the difference between ""when it was"" and "if it was"?

"When it was" refers to a specific point or period in the past, while "if it was" introduces a hypothetical condition or possibility.