when we got it

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "when we got it" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a specific moment in the past when something was received or understood. Example: "I remember the excitement we felt when we got it, the news we had been waiting for."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

"We screamed for joy when we got it," she said.

The New York Times

Of course the place was pretty terrible when we got it..."....

The New Yorker

"We were furious when we got it," said Ms. Kreuzberger, who works in advertising sales.

The New York Times

But it was still a great moment when we got it.

Independent

When we got it, we thought that we might as well carry on working together.

The Guardian

"She made me wash her backpack when we got it back yesterday," Michelle said.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

2. Admitting when we get it wrong.

The Guardian

"When we get it, we'll review it," he said.

The New York Times

We'll have more news when we get it.

The Guardian - Sport

We will be happy when we get it".

The New York Times

When we get it, we can exterminate the rat".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Follow "when we got it" with a comma if it introduces a dependent clause that precedes the main clause. For example: "When we got it, we celebrated immediately."

Common error

Avoid using "when we got it" without ensuring the 'it' is clearly defined. Ambiguity can confuse readers if the reference is unclear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when we got it" functions as an adverbial clause of time, indicating when an action occurred or a state began. As shown by Ludwig, it modifies the main clause by specifying the timing of the event.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Formal & Business

2%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "when we got it" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase widely used to indicate the timing of an event or state following receipt or acquisition. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's most commonly found in news and media contexts but is acceptable in most general writing. To ensure clarity, always make sure the referent of "it" is clear. While alternatives exist, "when we got it" provides a straightforward and effective way to specify when something was received or understood. Remember it forms a subordinate clause and may require a comma depending on sentence structure.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

upon receiving it

Emphasizes the act of receiving rather than the process leading up to it.

after obtaining it

Focuses on the action of obtaining, suggesting effort or a process to acquire.

once we acquired it

Highlights the completion of the acquisition process.

on its arrival

Specifically refers to something physically arriving, rather than an abstract 'it'.

the moment we had it

Emphasizes the precise moment of possession.

when it came into our possession

Formal way of stating when something was acquired.

as soon as it was ours

Highlights the transition to ownership.

following its procurement

Procurement suggests a formal or official acquisition process.

subsequent to its reception

Reception implies a formal acceptance or receipt.

after taking delivery

Specifically refers to receiving a delivered item.

FAQs

How can I use "when we got it" in a sentence?

You can use "when we got it" to describe a reaction or a state following the receipt or acquisition of something. For example, "When we got it, we were ecstatic" or "When we got it, we immediately started using it".

What's a more formal way to say "when we got it"?

More formal alternatives include "upon receiving it", "after obtaining it", or "subsequent to its reception". These options add a level of formality suitable for academic or professional writing.

Is "when we got it" grammatically correct?

Yes, "when we got it" is grammatically correct. It forms a subordinate clause that provides a temporal context. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples of its use in reputable sources.

What's the difference between "when we got it" and "when we receive it"?

"When we got it" refers to a past event—the act of receiving has already occurred. "When we receive it" refers to a future event—the act of receiving is yet to happen.