when this happened

USAGE SUMMARY

"when this happened" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to refer to a specific event that has taken place. For example, "We were feeling down when this happened, but soon our spirits were lifted."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

"When this happened".

The New Yorker

What was your reaction when this happened?

The New Yorker

Hesse was 10 when this happened.

The Guardian - Arts

She was only 9 when this happened.

The New York Times - Books

I was ten years old when this happened.

The New Yorker

"Were you together, when this happened?" "We'd just split up".

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

"I feel bad when this happens.

The New York Times

When this happens the cell dies.

The Economist

Consider when this happens in legal disputes.

Harvard University

Argh, I hate when this happens.

The New York Times - Books

When this happens, some patients must wait.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your sentence structure by sometimes placing the "when this happened" clause at the beginning of the sentence and sometimes in the middle or end to maintain reader engagement.

Common error

Avoid using "when this happened" if the sequence of events is unclear or ambiguous. Ensure that the context makes it obvious what "this" refers to; otherwise, clarify the antecedent to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when this happened" functions as an adverbial clause of time, modifying the main clause by indicating when the action in the main clause occurred. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and suitable for use in English writing. Numerous examples in Ludwig demonstrate its role in specifying the timing of events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Academia

12%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "when this happened" is a grammatically sound and very common adverbial clause used to establish a temporal relationship between events. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for a wide array of writing contexts, particularly in news, academic, and general narratives. The phrase's neutrality makes it appropriate for both formal and informal settings, though clarity regarding the antecedent of "this" is crucial for effective communication. To enhance writing style, consider varying sentence structure and exploring synonyms like "following this occurrence" or "after this transpired".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

following this occurrence

A more formal substitute indicating sequence.

upon this occurring

Formal alternative emphasizing the moment the event took place.

once this unfolded

Emphasizes the progression of the event.

at the time of this incident

Highlights the specific moment the incident occurred.

after this transpired

A more formal substitute indicating sequence of events.

when this came about

Focuses on how something originated or happened.

in the aftermath of this event

Focuses on what followed after the event.

during this episode

Highlights a distinct series of events.

on the occasion of this happening

Formal and emphasizes a specific moment.

as a result of this situation

Highlights the consequences stemming from the event.

FAQs

How can I use "when this happened" in a sentence?

Use "when this happened" to connect an event to a subsequent action or realization. For example, "I was surprised "when this happened", and I didn't know what to do".

What can I say instead of "when this happened"?

You can use alternatives like "following this occurrence", "after this transpired", or "upon this occurring" depending on the formality you desire.

Is it always necessary to specify what "this" refers to when using "when this happened"?

It's best practice to ensure the context clearly indicates what "this" refers to. If ambiguity exists, clarify the antecedent for better understanding.

What's the difference between "when this happened" and "when this happens"?

"When this happened" refers to a specific event in the past, whereas "when this happens" refers to a recurring or hypothetical event. One is past tense, the other is present.