when we first started

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'when we first started' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the beginning of some event that you and someone else were involved in. For example, "When we first started our business, we never imagined it would become as successful as it is today."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"When we first started, I said, 'Roo!

The New York Times

"When we first started it, everybody said, 'Train a cat?

The New York Times - Sports

"That was a very mysterious notion when we first started".

The New York Times

When we first started, people everywhere asked the same questions.

The Guardian - Opinion

"When we first started, we had mostly S.S.I. recipients.

The New York Times

"We had instant chemistry when we first started working together.

The New York Times

There weren't nice stores when we first started coming here.

The New York Times - Food

"When we first started, it was like a family.

The Guardian - Travel

When we first started, I mentioned in 2011 well, first of all, sales.

Cornell University

"When we first started, I had to work things out more in the music," Torvill said.

The Washington Post

When we first started out, my father was mostly a mortgage broker.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "when we first started" to set a contrast between the initial state and the current state of a project, relationship, or endeavor. This helps to highlight growth, change, or progress.

Common error

Ensure the context clearly indicates who 'we' refers to. Otherwise, the phrase "when we first started" might create confusion about the people involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when we first started" functions as an adverbial clause of time, modifying the main clause by specifying when an action or state occurred. As Ludwig AI explains, it's a valid and useful phrase to refer to the beginning of an event.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Academia

12%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "when we first started" is a common and grammatically sound way to reference the initial stage of an endeavor. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts. This phrase, functioning as an adverbial clause of time, provides important context by contrasting the past with the present. Its prevalence in News & Media and Academia indicates its broad applicability. To avoid ambiguity, ensure the subject of 'we' is clear. Alternatives like "at the beginning" or "in the early days" can be used to convey similar meanings. Remember that while perfectly correct, the expression should be used carefully in writing in order to avoid ambiguity. Make sure you always clarify to who the "we" refers to.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

when we began

This is a direct synonym, replacing 'started' with 'began'.

when we initiated

This version uses a more formal verb 'initiated' instead of 'started'.

at the start

This is a simpler alternative, directly referencing the beginning.

in the early days

This phrase emphasizes the initial period, suggesting a time of development and potential challenges.

at the beginning

This alternative focuses on the temporal aspect of the start, omitting the personal involvement.

from the outset

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the planning stage.

in the initial phase

This phrase is slightly more technical and emphasizes the stage of development.

initially

This adverb highlights the state or condition at the beginning.

in its infancy

This alternative implies a young and undeveloped stage.

at inception

This phrase focuses on the moment something was created or began.

FAQs

How can I use "when we first started" in a sentence?

You can use "when we first started" to describe the initial phase of a project, a relationship, or any ongoing activity. For example, "When we first started, we had no idea it would become so successful."

What are some alternatives to "when we first started"?

Alternatives include "at the beginning", "in the early days", or "when we began", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "when we had first started"?

While grammatically valid, "when we first started" is more concise and commonly used. Adding "had" is not necessary unless you need to emphasize the sequence of events in the past.

What's the difference between "when we first started" and "since we started"?

"When we first started" refers specifically to the initial point in time. "Since we started" implies a continuous period from the beginning until now. For example, "When we first started, we were novices; now, since we started, we've gained much expertise."