At the time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "At the time" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a specific moment or period in the past when something occurred or was relevant. Example: "At the time, I didn't realize how important that decision would be for my future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

At the time [C.

Independent

At the time, anyway".

The New York Times - Sports

At the time, Meretz refused.

The New Yorker

At the time, not really.

The New Yorker

At the time, it was a joke.

Independent

At the time I thought it true.

The New Yorker

At the time, that was enough.

The New York Times - Sports

At the time, it was national news.

The Guardian - Sport

At the time, all particles were massless.

The Economist

(At the time, talking pictures were new).

The New Yorker

At the time, many thought it was.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "At the time", ensure the context clearly establishes which time you're referring to. Avoid ambiguity by providing specific details or referencing a previously mentioned event.

Common error

Avoid using "At the time" excessively in close succession, as it can make your writing repetitive. If the temporal context is already clear, consider using simpler alternatives like "then" or omitting the phrase altogether for a more concise style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "At the time" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate when an action occurred or a state existed. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Its primary role is to provide temporal context, situating events within a specific timeframe in the past.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "At the time" is a grammatically sound and very common adverbial phrase used to specify a particular moment or period in the past. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and indicates its prevalence in news and media. When using this phrase, it's important to provide sufficient context to avoid ambiguity and to use it judiciously to prevent repetitiveness. Related phrases like "back then" or "at that moment" can offer nuanced alternatives, depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

At that moment

Emphasizes a precise instant, making it more specific than "At the time".

Then

A simpler, more direct way to refer to a past time, but less specific than "At the time".

Back then

More informal and implies a more distant past compared to "At the time".

In those days

Similar to "Back then" but suggests a longer period rather than a specific moment.

During that period

More formal and emphasizes the duration of the time being referred to.

At that juncture

More formal, indicating a critical point in time or a turning point.

In retrospect

Highlights a contrast between past perception and present understanding, which isn't always present in "At the time".

As it happened

Focuses on the unfolding of events and may imply a degree of chance or unexpectedness.

During that era

Refers to a broader span of time, often associated with historical or cultural periods.

In those circumstances

Shifts the focus to the surrounding conditions and context, rather than just the time itself.

FAQs

How can I use "At the time" in a sentence?

Use "At the time" to specify when something occurred or was true in the past, such as, "At the time, I didn't realize the significance of the event".

What are some alternatives to "At the time"?

You can use alternatives like "then", "back then", or "at that moment" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "at that time" instead of "At the time"?

While "at that time" is grammatically correct, "At the time" is often preferred for its conciseness and common usage. The choice depends on personal style and context, but they're largely interchangeable.

What's the difference between "At the time" and "in the meantime"?

"At the time" refers to a specific point in the past, whereas "in the meantime" refers to the period between two events.