it was then I knew vs it was then that I knew

Both phrases are correct, but "it was then that I knew" is more commonly used in English. Both phrases convey the same meaning and can be used interchangeably.

Last updated: March 24, 2024 • 2932 views

This phrase is correct but less commonly used in English.

"it was then I knew"

This phrase is a valid way to express the idea of realizing something at a specific moment in the past. It is less common than the alternative phrase.

Show examples from the web [+]

IT WAS THEN I KNEW YOU WERE TROUBLE.
It was then I knew that the lines had become savage, caused by the insult of Don García and the cowardice of Don Faustino.
It was then that I knew what I was missing.
It was then that I knew what I was missing.
It was then that I knew what I was missing.
And if it was me, then I knew it was my kids too.
It was then I fear that your nightmare began.
It was then I captured this man to carry my pack.
It was then I understood that Abed would never apologize.
It was then I realized he was not breathing.
It was then I noticed traces of a peculiar odor...
It was then I discovered that which had laid dormant inside me all those years.
It was then I learned the truth of my writing.
And then I knew it was over.
Even then I knew they were just jerks.
Then I knew Minna is OK.
Even then I knew I couldn't.
'Cause then I knew I had to study.
Even then I knew she'd be famous.
And then I knew what I had to do.

Alternatives:

it was then that I knew

This phrase is correct and more commonly used in English.

"it was then that I knew"

This phrase is a common way to express the idea of realizing something at a specific moment in the past. It is the more standard form of the expression.

Show examples from the web [+]

It was then that I knew what I was missing.
It was then that I knew what I was missing.
It was then that I knew what I was missing.
It was then I knew that the lines had become savage, caused by the insult of Don García and the cowardice of Don Faustino.
It was then that I noticed...
It was then that I heard the tell-tale cracking of Crick's nicotine gum.
It was then that I decided to be a film director.
It was then that I realized I must devote my life to science.
And it was then that I realised that if you feed a man... you take away his propensity for violence.
It was then that I decided I would recollect and record everything that had transpired.
It was then that I realized that the rules of the economic game were inherently invalid.
And it was then that I thought back to my jittery hands.
It was then that I realized rejection is easier to accept when you're honest with yourself about the reasons why.
It was then that I became his actual manager, properly.
It was then that I had to break the bad news to him.
It was then that I realized that my friend had gone completely mad.
It was then that I realized that I was going to spend the rest of my life with him.
Now it was then that I made a fatal mistake, in that I told a friend about the voice, and she was horrified.
It was then that I learned that you can't trust anyone in this world.
It was then that I realized that Dersu's ingenuity had saved my life.

Alternatives:

it was then I knew

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it was then I knew vs it was then that I knew

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