15 Expressions for Talking About the Past
Talking about the past is a big part of everyday conversation—whether you’re sharing a memory, explaining what happened, or telling a story. These 15 expressions for talking about the past help you sound fluent, natural, and emotionally connected. Move beyond basic “I did this” and express nostalgia, change, and experience like a native speaker.
Common Ways to Say ‘Back Then…’ or ‘I Used to…’
General Past References
- Back then,… Evokes a specific time period with nostalgia or contrast. Back then, we didn’t have smartphones—just payphones!
- In the past,… Neutral and formal—good for writing or explanations. In the past, this neighborhood was mostly farmland.
- A few years ago,… Casual and precise for recent history. A few years ago, I moved to Chicago for work.
- When I was younger,… Common for personal stories and life lessons. When I was younger, I thought adulthood would be easier!
Habits & Repeated Actions
- I used to… Describes past habits that no longer happen. I used to walk to school every day.
- We’d always… (“We would…”) Shows repeated actions with warmth or routine. We’d always have pancakes on Sunday mornings.
- Back in the day,… Informal and nostalgic—often used humorously. Back in the day, you had to rewind VHS tapes before returning them!
Change Over Time
- Things were different back then. Highlights contrast between past and present. No Wi-Fi, no GPS—things were different back then.
- I wasn’t always like this. Shows personal growth or transformation. I wasn’t always like this—I used to be super shy.
- It wasn’t always this way. Softly reminds listeners that change is possible. It wasn’t always this way—this park used to be a parking lot.
Storytelling & Memories
- Do you remember when…? Invites shared nostalgia—perfect for friends or family. Do you remember when we got lost on that road trip?
- There was a time when… Adds drama or significance to a past period. There was a time when I couldn’t even order coffee in English!
- I’ll never forget the time… Introduces a vivid, memorable moment. I’ll never forget the time we saw the northern lights.
- Looking back,… Reflective and thoughtful—common in speeches or writing. Looking back, that summer changed my life.
Real-Life Dialogues
Friend A: Do you remember when we tried to bake that cake and burned it?
Friend B: Yes! Back then, we didn’t even know how to preheat the oven.
Friend A: I used to think cooking was impossible.
Friend B: Now you’re a chef! Things were different back then.
Colleague: How’d you get so confident in meetings?
You: There was a time when I’d stay quiet the whole hour.
Colleague: Really?
You: Yeah. I wasn’t always like this—it took practice!
Quick Tips: Choosing the Right Phrase
| Situation | Recommended Expression | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Sharing childhood memories | When I was younger,… / I used to… | Personal, relatable, and nostalgic. |
| Comparing past and present | Things were different back then. | Clearly highlights change without judgment. |
| Telling a funny or meaningful story | I’ll never forget the time… | Grabs attention and sets up a vivid memory. |
| Reflecting in writing or a speech | Looking back,… | Thoughtful and mature—ideal for conclusions. |
Practice Tip
Try telling a short story from your past using at least three of these phrases—like “Back then…,” “I used to…,” and “Looking back…”—to sound natural and fluent!
Why This Matters
- Using these 15 expressions for talking about the past helps you connect emotionally with others through shared experiences and stories.
- It’s essential for everyday conversation, job interviews (“Tell me about a time when…”), and cultural fluency.
- Native speakers rarely say just “I did this”—they use rich, time-sensitive language to bring the past to life.
The past isn’t just history—it’s part of who we are. With these 15 expressions for talking about the past, you can share your journey with warmth, clarity, and fluency. Try one out in your next conversation! Happy learning! 😊
