when the game began

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "when the game began" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the specific moment or time at which a game started, often in narratives or discussions about events in a game. Example: "The crowd erupted in cheers when the game began, signaling the start of an exciting match."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

Youkilis was referring to the standings when the game began.

The New York Times

The question then comes back to who owned the ball when the game began.

The New York Times

When the game began -- only the second of his career -- DeSalvo rewarded Torre's faith.

The New York Times

But when the game began last night, Martin let his play speak for itself.

The New York Times - Sports

When the game began, the Devils still seemed stunned by their first-night defeat.

The New York Times - Sports

When the game began there appeared to be significant vulnerabilities in Rift's programming and many players' accounts were broken into.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

The talent is quickly evident when the game begins.

The New York Times

The central figure is a young woman, newly married when the game begins.

Princeton University

When the game begins, 10 balls appear to the right of the wall and travel left toward the wall.

Stanford University

The very world Lincoln finds himself in when the game begins.

The Guardian - Opinion

When the game begins, Summitt promised, she and Stringer will not be chatting.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "when the game began" to clearly indicate a specific point in time, particularly when describing initial conditions, player stats, or audience reactions at the start of a game.

Common error

Avoid using "when the game began" when you actually need to refer to a general period at the beginning of the game. Instead, use phrases like "in the early stages of the game" or "during the initial phase".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when the game began" functions as an adverbial clause of time, modifying the main clause of a sentence. This is consistent with Ludwig's AI which finds the phrase usable in written English. It specifies when an action or state occurred in relation to the start of a game.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Wiki

2%

Science & Research

2%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "when the game began" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adverbial clause that provides temporal context, primarily found in news and media sources according to Ludwig. It's a versatile phrase suitable for various writing styles, with "at the start of the game" being a close alternative. Remember to use it to establish the initial conditions or moments of a game, and avoid using it when referring to a more extended period. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is appropriate for use in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the start of the game

Replaces "when" with "at the start of", focusing on the beginning.

as the game commenced

Uses a more formal verb, "commenced", instead of "began".

upon the game's beginning

Emphasizes the moment the game started.

from the game's outset

Focuses on the initial phase or starting point of the game.

once the game was underway

Highlights the state of the game being in progress.

at kickoff

Specifically for sports involving a kickoff to start the game.

when play initiated

Replaces "game" with "play" and uses the verb "initiated".

at the opening of the match

Replaces "game" with "match" to vary the wording.

in the initial moments of the game

Expands the phrase to describe the very early part of the game.

as soon as the game got going

Emphasizes the game starting and progressing forward.

FAQs

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

Use "when the game began" to set a specific time frame or context. For example, "When the game began, the atmosphere was electric."

What's a more formal way to say "when the game began"?

A more formal alternative is "as the game commenced". This uses a more elevated vocabulary.

Is it correct to say "at when the game began"?

No, "at when the game began" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrasing is "at the start of the game" or "when the game began".

Can I use "when the game began" to talk about a video game?

Yes, the phrase is applicable to any type of game, including video games. For instance, "When the game began, players were immediately immersed in the storyline."