During those years

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "During those years" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific period in the past when discussing events, experiences, or changes that occurred during that time. Example: "During those years, the city underwent significant transformation and development."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

During those years, there has been a recession during the presidency of every GOP president.

Huffington Post

During those years, Ramer did well in school, too.

The New Yorker

During those years he was secretly made a bishop.

The New York Times

During those years, they started to write poems.

The New Yorker

During those years, Burroughs also wrote his first book, "Junky".

The New Yorker

During those years the members have had various side projects.

The New York Times - Arts

During those years, there was no such thing as vacation.

The New York Times

During those years, Ms. West pursued various careers.

The New York Times

During those years Carnegie began a project that transformed American civic life.

The New York Times

During those years, Zeile became one of the few players to really buddy up with Piazza.

The New York Times - Sports

During those years, the father made it to just one of the son's Little League games.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use “During those years” to clearly indicate a period when discussing historical events, personal experiences, or changes over time. Always specify the timeframe to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Ensure the “those years” are clearly defined either previously in the text or through contextual clues. Without a clear reference, the phrase becomes vague and confusing for the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "During those years" functions as a prepositional phrase, introducing a temporal context for the main clause. It sets the timeframe within which the action or state described by the sentence takes place. As Ludwig highlights, it is a common and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "During those years" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that provides a temporal anchor within a narrative. Ludwig AI confirms that it is correct and usable in written English. It is most commonly found in news, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the “those years” are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "Throughout that period" or "In that era" for stylistic variation. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "During those years" to add clarity and context to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Throughout that period

Changes the preposition to emphasize the entirety of the time span.

During that time

Simplifies the phrase by omitting "years".

Within those years

Focuses on events occurring inside the specific timeframe.

Through those years

Highlights the process and experiences throughout the period.

In that era

Uses a more formal term to denote a specific historical time.

Over that timeframe

Emphasizes the duration and progression of events.

Over the span of those years

Stresses the full extent of the time period.

During the aforementioned years

Adds formality by referencing previously mentioned years.

In the course of those years

Emphasizes a sequence of events happening over time.

In those days

Evokes a sense of nostalgia or distance from the present.

FAQs

How do I use "During those years" in a sentence?

Use "During those years" to specify when something occurred, like, "During those years, he lived "like a sleepwalker, pulled and pushed by others' opinions".

What are some alternatives to "During those years"?

You can use alternatives like "Throughout that period", "In that era", or "Over that timeframe" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "During those years"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. Ludwig AI confirms it's perfectly acceptable and widely used in written English to refer to a specific period in the past.

What is the difference between "During those years" and "In those days"?

"During those years" refers to a specific, often quantifiable, timeframe, whereas "In those days" often carries a nostalgic or less precise sense of time.