Around that time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Around that time" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to refer to a specific period in the past or future when discussing events or situations. Example: "Around that time, many people were starting to change their habits." Alternative expressions include "At that time" and "During that period."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Around that time, the heads disappeared.

The New York Times

Around that time, she auditioned for Scorsese.

The Guardian - Film

Around that time there was another loss.

The New York Times - Books

Around that time, Kataria's wife suffered a series of miscarriages.

The New Yorker

Around that time, we started going to school.

The New Yorker

Around that time, he had to lay off employees.

The New York Times

Around that time, Caracter's aunt began dating Eddie Lau.

The New York Times - Sports

Around that time, Dom began needing around-the-clock care.

The New York Times - Sports

Around that time, the District got into the game.

Independent

Around that time, Duermeier died, and Woodland gave up baseball.

The New York Times - Sports

Around that time, the commonwealth hired David Lapin.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "Around that time", ensure the context clearly establishes the specific time period being referenced to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify the year or event the phrase refers to.

Common error

Avoid using "Around that time" without a clear antecedent. Vague references can confuse readers. Always ensure the reader understands which specific time is being discussed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Around that time" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by providing temporal context. As Ludwig AI confirms, it specifies when an action or event occurred in relation to a previously mentioned point in time.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Social Media

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Around that time" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to indicate a period close to a specific point in time. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and appropriate for diverse contexts. It appears frequently in news, media, and wiki sources, making it a common expression. To ensure clarity, always provide a clear temporal reference. When precision is crucial, consider more specific alternatives. Remember, although this phrase is very common, clarity and context are key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

At about that period

Replaces "around" with "at about", emphasizing the approximation of the time frame.

In that period

Replaces "around" with "in", indicating a more direct inclusion within the timeframe.

During that era

Substitutes "time" with "era", suggesting a more extended period.

Close to that date

Emphasizes proximity to a specific calendar date.

Surrounding that period

Highlights that the time frame is approximately surrounding the specific event

In those days

Offers a more colloquial way to refer to a past period.

In the vicinity of that time

Uses more formal language to express temporal proximity.

Near that point

Shifts the focus to a specific moment rather than a broader time frame.

About then

Simplifies the phrase to a more concise expression.

Shortly thereafter

Indicates a time immediately following a specific event.

FAQs

How can I use "Around that time" in a sentence?

Use "Around that time" to indicate a period approximately close to a specific event or moment already mentioned. For example, "The company launched its new product. "Around that time", the CEO resigned".

What are some alternatives to "Around that time"?

You can use alternatives like "at about that period", "in that period", or "during that era" to express a similar meaning.

Is it better to use "Around that time" or "At that time"?

Both phrases are correct, but "Around that time" suggests a less precise timeframe compared to "At that time", which implies a more specific moment.

What is the difference between "Around that time" and "Shortly thereafter"?

"Around that time" refers to a period near a specific moment, while "shortly thereafter" indicates a period immediately following an event.