when we began

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "when we began" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the starting point of an action or event in the past. Example: "When we began our project, we had no idea how much time it would take to complete."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was April when we began to care for Tapka.

The New Yorker

That's when we began talking about a solo record.

The Guardian - Music

When we began, there were about 7,500 of them.

The Guardian

This is when we began to love Harry.

The Guardian - Sport

But when we began to descend, our situation grew dire.

The New York Times - Travel

When we began looking at final projects, we wanted to do something fun.

Cornell University

When we began, there were witchmen: an oral history from Mount Kenya.

Columbia University

"Berlin today is a very different city from what it was when we began.

The New York Times

This is when we began our International Consulting Projects (ICPs); real assignments for real companies.

The Economist

"But any prejudices we might have had disappeared when we began working together".

The New York Times - Arts

And it began actually last spring when we began to see how badly Greece was doing.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "when we began" to clearly mark the starting point of a process, project, or relationship. This helps to provide a temporal reference for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "when we began" to describe an ongoing situation. "When we began" indicates a specific point in the past, while "since we began" suggests a continuing period from that point.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when we began" functions primarily as an adverbial clause of time, introducing information about the timing or circumstances surrounding an event or action. It sets the context for what followed the initial starting point. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

25%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "when we began" is a versatile and commonly used adverbial clause of time. Ludwig AI confirms that it’s grammatically sound for indicating a starting point. Analysis of diverse sources reveals its presence primarily in news, scientific, and academic contexts. Usage tips include using it to set temporal context and avoiding confusion with similar phrases like "since we began". The phrase serves to establish a moment of commencement, providing essential background information. Its frequency and distribution across various sources indicate its broad applicability and neutral register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the start

A simple and direct substitute for "when we began".

as we commenced

Uses a more formal verb to describe the start of an action.

as we initiated

Similar to 'as we commenced', but with a slightly different nuance.

upon starting

Highlights the action of beginning something.

from the beginning

Emphasizes the entire duration from the start, rather than just the initial moment.

in the early stages

Focuses on the developmental period after the beginning.

at the onset

Replaces "when we began" with a more formal term indicating the start of something.

in the initial phase

Focuses on the earliest stage of a process or project.

since inception

Highlights the period after the establishment or start of something.

initially

An adverbial form that refers to the beginning.

FAQs

How can I use "when we began" in a sentence?

Use "when we began" to introduce a clause that describes the circumstances or conditions at the starting point of an action or project. For example, "When we began, we had no idea how successful it would be".

What phrases are similar to "when we began"?

Similar phrases include "at the start", "from the beginning", or "in the initial phase", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "since we began" instead of "when we began"?

The choice between "when we began" and "since we began" depends on whether you are referring to a specific point in time or a duration. Use "when we began" for a specific starting point, and "since we began" for an ongoing period.

What's the difference between "when we began" and "as we began"?

"When we began" typically refers to a specific moment, while "as we began" can imply a gradual start or a process that unfolded over time.