During that time

USAGE SUMMARY

"during that time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when referring to a previous period of time. For example, "During that time, I was working on my degree."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

During that time, I required no pay.

The Guardian - Sport

During that time his condition may worsen.

The Economist

During that time her routine seldom varied.

The New York Times - Arts

During that time, no dates.

The New York Times - Magazine

During that time aerobic bacteria will reproduce.

The New York Times

"During that time, the traders came.

The Guardian

During that time, he earned his G.E.D.

The New York Times

During that time I wrote very little.

The New Yorker

During that time, her lead steadily eroded.

The New York Times

During that time we were in Philadelphia.

The Guardian

During that time, clubs cannot be relegated.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure that the timeframe referenced by "During that time" is unambiguous; if there's any chance of confusion, re-specify the period for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "During that time" without a clear preceding reference to the time period. Always ensure the reader knows exactly what timeframe you are referring to. Otherwise, the phrase becomes meaningless and confusing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "During that time" functions as an adverbial phrase, specifically a temporal adverbial. It modifies a clause by specifying when an event or action occurred in relation to a previously established timeframe. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "During that time" is a common and grammatically sound adverbial phrase used to establish temporal context. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It's most frequently encountered in news and media, with a neutral register suitable for diverse writing styles. When using "During that time", ensure that the referenced timeframe is clear to the reader, avoiding ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "in the interim" or "over that period" for stylistic variation or increased formality. This phrase should be used to enhance chronological clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Over that period

Emphasizes the duration of the specified time.

During that interval

Suggests a specific, measured duration.

In the interim

Focuses on the period between two events.

In the intervening period

Highlights the time between two distinct points.

Meanwhile

Highlights simultaneous actions or events.

During that phase

Indicates a particular stage or segment within a larger process.

Throughout that era

Implies a longer and more significant period.

While that was happening

Emphasizes concurrency.

In those days

Refers to a past time, often with nostalgic or historical connotations.

As that unfolded

Highlights the development and progression of events.

FAQs

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

Use "During that time" to connect an event or action to a specific period previously mentioned. For example, "He lived in Paris for five years. "During that time", he learned to speak French."

What's a more formal alternative to "During that time"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "over that period" or "in the interim" to maintain a sophisticated style.

Can "During that time" start a sentence?

Yes, "During that time" can start a sentence to emphasize the temporal connection to the previous statement. However, ensure the connection is clear to avoid ambiguity.

Is there a difference between "During that time" and "during that period"?

While both phrases are similar, "During that period" might suggest a more formally defined or significant duration, whereas "During that time" is generally more neutral.