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I was there when vs I been there when

The correct phrase is "I was there when." The use of the past simple tense "was" is appropriate in this context to indicate a specific point in the past when something happened. The phrase "I been there when" is incorrect in standard English.

Last updated: March 08, 2024 • 709 views

I was there when

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is used to indicate that the speaker was present at a particular time in the past when something occurred.

Examples:

  • I was there when the accident happened.
  • I was there when she received the news.
  • I was there when they announced the winner.
  • I was there when the storm hit.
  • I was there when the building caught fire.

Alternatives:

  • I was there at the time when
  • I was present when
  • I witnessed when
  • I saw when
  • I experienced when

I been there when

This phrase is incorrect in standard English.

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