when was vs when did

Both 'when was' and 'when did' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'When was' is used to ask about the time of an event or situation in the past, while 'when did' is used to ask about the time an action or activity occurred in the past.

Last updated: April 07, 2024 • 745 views

The phrase 'when was' is correct and commonly used to ask about the time of an event or situation in the past.

"when was"

Use 'when was' to inquire about the timing of an event or situation that occurred in the past. It is often followed by a specific event or situation.

Examples:

When was the last time you saw her?
When was the party?
When was the decision made?

Show examples from the web [+]

eventTime - when was the measurement made
If so, when was it closed and what was the conclusion? 3.
And when was the painting sold?
Computer, when was this file created?
Before tonight, when was E last time you prayed?
So, when was this photo taken?
No, when was the accident?
Giulio, when was this house built?
Look, when was this plane built?
Jenna, when was the last message sent?
Where and when was this shot?
And-and the video - when was it made?
How and when was it repaired?
Now, when was that pyramid built?
And when was that text sent?
And when was Andrea's funeral?
But when was the "beginning"?
But when was the February Revolution, which preceded it?
The battle of Carachacumba, when was it?
Mrs. Murphy, when was Book Week?

Alternatives:

at what time was
at what point was
at what moment was
during which time was
during which period was

The phrase 'when did' is correct and commonly used to ask about the time an action or activity occurred in the past.

"when did"

Use 'when did' to inquire about the timing of an action or activity that took place in the past. It is often followed by a specific action or activity.

Examples:

When did you arrive?
When did they leave?
When did the meeting start?

Show examples from the web [+]

Since when did you start smoking?
Tell me, Jack, when did you first become...
She asked me when did I start to like him.
And when did Chandler leave Hong Kong?
I mean, since when did you become an expert in...
Since when did you become comedy relief?
Since when did you start asking permission?
Since when did you start spiking your chamomile?
Babe, when did you even think that you...
Since when did you start having anxiety attacks?
Second question: when did the Federal Government inform Euratom?
Since when did you become a liar?
And when did you hear the command to fire?
Since when did you become my counsellor?
Since when did you start smoking those?
So, Marc, when did you meet Kyle?
So when did you start teaching?
So when did you start living here?
So when did the headache start?
Since when did you get so light, Setsuko?

Alternatives:

at what time did
at what point did
at what moment did
during which time did
during which period did

How TextRanch works

Fast and reliable proofreading, editing, and language advice tailored to your needs.

1. Choose Your Service

Quick Text Editing

Emails and short texts
Proofreading & editing
Ready in 5-10 minutes

SUBMIT YOUR TEXT NOW

Document Editing

Documents of any type (*.docx)
Advanced & Premium editing
Ready in as little as 4 hours

UPLOAD YOUR DOCUMENT

Ask an Editor

Personalized answers to your language questions
Expert guidance on grammar, style, and usage
Ready in 24 hours

ASK YOUR QUESTION

Upload your document or paste your text directly into our platform. Your text is reviewed and refined by our expert editors (real people, not machines) who understand the nuances of English. Expect corrections, improvements, and insightful suggestions that enhance the clarity, tone, and professionalism of your writing.

3. Receive Your Polished Text

In just a few minutes (or hours for longer documents), you'll receive your corrected text. Review the changes, make any final adjustments, and confidently share your polished English with the world.
You can count on a personalized, friendly service every time you use TextRanch. We're committed to helping you make a great impression with every word you write.

We proofread and edit these types of texts and documents:

Short texts Business Emails Personal Emails Social media posts Resume and Curriculum Vitae Business documents Sales proposal Research and academic papers Thesis Dissertation Essays Articles Blog posts and much more....

Why choose TextRanch?

Complete Privacy

Your texts are safe and secure with us. We never share your information with third parties.

Affordable Pricing

No subscription fees and rates up to 50% cheaper than other online editing services.

100% Satisfaction

We guarantee that you'll be satisfied with the quality of our service or your money back.

Top Customer Service

Our team is here to help you with any questions you may have. Contact us anytime.

Our Customers Love Us!

We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283125 votes, and

4.9 Excellent - Reviews 2.137

"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"

Zubair
from Bangladesh

"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"

Arturo
from Mexico

"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."

Selena
from USA

"Wow, it's just so excellent. I never would have believed I could have a sure and excellent English companion. Thanks, TextRanch."

Ifiok
from Nigeria

"This is my first time using TextRanch, and I like how the editors take time to correct my text. To everyone who has never used TextRanch before, I highly recommend trying it."

Wilson
from France

"It is an amazing source of feedback because, as a non-native speaker, I really need to have a reliable helper correct my text."

Susan
from Germany

when was vs when did

"when was"

"when did"

2. Submit Your Text

3. Receive Your Polished Text