when we got there

USAGE SUMMARY

"when we got there" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
For example: We had been walking for two hours when we got there, and it had started to rain.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

When we got there it was surreal.

The Guardian - Opinion

When we got there, everyone outside had left.

The New York Times

TRUMP: So when we got there, it was with spouses, and when we got there, there were a thousand media.

The New York Times

When we got there, I was sold in five seconds.

The Guardian - Film

"Then, when we got there, they were never unlocked".

The New York Times

But when we got there, the fire key wouldn't work.

The New York Times

The bed, when we got there, was super-kingsize.

The Guardian - Travel

When we got there, a large crowd had already gathered.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"When we got there, the body was headless," Marks says.

The New York Times - Magazine

When we got there, Lochhead was introduced to us.

The Guardian - Books

When we got there, he refused to pay me.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "when we got there" to clearly indicate a sequence of events, establishing a timeline where actions or observations followed arrival at a specific location or point.

Common error

Avoid shifting tenses inappropriately after "when we got there". Ensure that the subsequent verb tenses logically follow the initial time frame established by the phrase. For example, don't write 'When we got there, we will see the ocean' – instead, maintain consistent past tense: 'When we got there, we saw the ocean'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when we got there" functions as an adverbial clause of time, modifying the main clause by specifying when an action or event occurred. Ludwig examples show the phrase introducing a scenario or situation encountered upon arrival.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "when we got there" functions as an adverbial clause of time, commonly used to set the scene or provide context after arriving at a specific location. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and versatile, appearing frequently across various contexts, especially in news and media. For effective writing, maintain tense consistency and use this phrase to establish a clear sequence of events. Remember that alternative phrases like "upon our arrival" or "after getting there" can offer varied tones and formality depending on the specific needs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

when we arrived

A more concise and direct alternative.

after getting there

Uses a more informal tone.

once we were there

Focuses on the state of being present at the location.

as soon as we got there

Emphasizes the immediacy of an action following arrival.

the moment we arrived

Highlights the specific point in time of arrival.

upon our arrival

Formal alternative emphasizing the act of arriving.

following our arrival

A more formal and structured alternative.

on reaching the location

Emphasizes the action of reaching a specific place.

at the point of arrival

Highlights a specific moment in time.

subsequent to our reaching

A formal and somewhat less common variation.

FAQs

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

Use "when we got there" to describe events or observations that occurred after arriving at a specific location or reaching a particular point. For instance: "When we got there, the party had already started."

What are some alternatives to using "when we got there"?

Alternatives include phrases like "upon our arrival", "when we arrived", or "after getting there", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it correct to use "when we got there" at the beginning of a sentence?

Yes, it is perfectly acceptable and grammatically correct to begin a sentence with "when we got there" to introduce a dependent clause that sets the scene or provides context for the main clause.

What's the difference between "when we got there" and "while we were there"?

"When we got there" indicates the beginning of a period or sequence of events after arrival, whereas "while we were there" refers to events that happened during our stay or presence at a location.