when they lived

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "when they lived" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific time period in which a group of people existed or resided. Example: "The ancient Romans were known for their engineering feats when they lived in the Mediterranean region."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

They were view-spoiled even when they lived briefly overseas.

The New Yorker

Muddar had befriended Chowdhury when they lived next door.

The Guardian

This was fine when they lived in fantasy land.

The Guardian

Thompson and her husband had tried when they lived in Scotland.

The New Yorker

This was particularly easy when they lived across Broadway from each other in Williamsburg.

The New York Times

She invites him to her room on weekends, just as when they lived apart.

The New York Times

We saw her three or four times a week when they lived in Bilignin.

The New Yorker

The couple's troubles appear to have begun in 2013, when they lived in Beirut.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Some nematodes are parasites, which is beneficial when they live on pests, harmful when they live on plants.

The New York Times

For parents this means preparing them for a day when they live their lives without us.

The New York Times

Films are great when they live a long time, and I think Les's will live".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "when they lived" to clearly specify a time period and location, providing context to an event or situation. For example, "The challenges they faced when they lived in poverty shaped their future decisions."

Common error

Avoid shifting tenses when using "when they lived". Ensure the rest of the sentence remains in the past tense to maintain clarity and grammatical accuracy. For example, instead of "When they lived in Italy, they are visiting museums", use "When they lived in Italy, they visited museums".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when they lived" functions as an adverbial clause of time, modifying the main clause by specifying the time period during which an action or state occurred. As evidenced by Ludwig, it provides temporal context and sets the scene for the rest of the sentence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

23%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "when they lived" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to establish a temporal and locational context. As confirmed by Ludwig, it functions as an adverbial clause of time, commonly found in news, scientific, and academic sources, but also suitable for informal communication. Its neutral register makes it widely applicable, but being mindful of tense consistency is key for accuracy. For alternative phrases, consider using synonyms such as "during their residency" or "while they resided" to add variety to your writing. Understanding these nuances can help you use "when they lived" effectively and appropriately in various situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

during their residency

Focuses on the period of time they were residents of a particular place.

while they resided

Emphasizes the act of living or staying in a place for a certain duration.

in their time

Refers to the era or period they existed in, without specifying a location.

when they were inhabitants

Highlights their status as dwellers or occupants of a certain area.

during their lifetime

Encompasses the entire span of their lives, regardless of location.

in the period they inhabited

Specifies the time frame during which they occupied a particular place.

at the time of their habitation

Formal way of saying when they were living in a place.

while they had their abode

Focuses on the place where they lived, referring to it as their abode.

when they were domiciled

Emphasizes their legal residence or permanent home.

in the days they stayed

Refers to a specific period of time when they were temporarily living somewhere.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "when they lived" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "during their residency", "while they resided", or "in the period they inhabited". These alternatives /s/during+their+residency, /s/while+they+resided or /s/in+the+period+they+inhabited add a layer of sophistication to your writing.

What is the difference between "when they lived" and "during their lifetime"?

"When they lived" typically refers to a specific period and location, while "during their lifetime" /s/during+their+lifetime encompasses the entire span of their lives, irrespective of location. Use "when they lived" to pinpoint a particular era or place.

Is it correct to use "when they lived" in both formal and informal contexts?

Yes, "when they lived" is versatile and appropriate for both formal and informal writing. However, consider the formality of your overall writing and choose synonyms like "during their residency" for a more elevated tone.

Can I start a sentence with "when they lived"?

Yes, starting a sentence with "when they lived" is grammatically correct and creates a dependent clause that provides context. For example, "When they lived in Paris, they frequented the Louvre."