This was then when I realized vs This was then that I realized

Both phrases are commonly used in English, but they have slightly different meanings. 'This was then when I realized' is correct when referring to a specific time in the past when a realization occurred. On the other hand, 'This was then that I realized' is correct when introducing the realization as a subsequent event or consequence of the preceding context.

Last updated: March 23, 2024

This was then when I realized

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to refer to a specific time in the past when a realization occurred.

This phrase is used to indicate a particular moment in the past when a realization dawned on the speaker.

Examples:

This was then when I realized that I had made a mistake.
It was then when I realized the importance of family.
That was then when I realized how much I loved her.
It was then when I realized I needed to change my ways.
This was then when I realized I had been wrong all along.

Alternatives:

That was the moment when I realized
That was when I realized
It was at that point when I realized
That was the time when I realized
That was the instant when I realized

This was then that I realized

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to introduce a realization as a subsequent event or consequence of the preceding context.

This phrase is used to connect a past event or situation with a realization that occurred as a result of it.

Examples:

This was then that I realized I had to make a change.
It was then that I realized I had been wrong.
That was then that I realized I needed to move on.
It was then that I realized I had to let go.
This was then that I realized I had to face my fears.

Alternatives:

That was when I realized
That was the moment that I realized
It was at that point that I realized
That was the time that I realized
That was the instant that I realized

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This was then when I realized vs This was then that I realized