In a time when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "In a time when" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to set the context for a situation or event that occurred during a specific period. Example: "In a time when technology was rapidly advancing, many people struggled to keep up with the changes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

In a time when good hardwood has become scarce, Rosenzweig's has great lumber.

The New Yorker

In a time when the industry doesn't promote models having voices, she's really broken the mold".

The New York Times

"In a time when advertising already looks like soft-core porn, where will they go?

The New York Times

In a time when misery memoirs rule the bestseller lists, Satrapi could have beat all comers.

Independent

In a time when dancing, so advanced technically, is often cold, he is hot.

The New Yorker

In a time when cynicism rules, her eager humanity is ever more precious.

The New York Times - Books

In a time when collaboration is a flourishing ideal, shared leadership is an increasingly attractive proposition.

TechCrunch

In a time when budgets are tight, investments in education make economic sense.

Huffington Post

In a time when many magazines are scaling back, Lucky Peach feels shockingly rich in content.

Huffington Post

In a time when budget austerity should be our guiding star, Congress is demanding more waste.

Huffington Post

"But in a time when there were cars and trucks".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "In a time when" to introduce a statement that sets the context or background for a particular situation or event. It's effective for drawing comparisons between past and present circumstances.

Common error

While grammatically correct, using "In a time when" too frequently in informal writing can make the text sound stilted. Consider simpler alternatives like "now that" or "as" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "In a time when" functions as an adverbial phrase, specifically a prepositional phrase acting as an adverbial modifier. It introduces a temporal clause that provides context for the main clause. As seen in the Ludwig examples, it sets the stage for a condition or event.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "In a time when" is a useful tool for setting historical or societal context in writing. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and functions as an adverbial phrase to provide background information. It's most commonly found in news and media sources, indicating a neutral to formal register. While effective, overusing it can make your writing sound stilted, so consider alternatives like "as" or "while" for simpler expressions. Ultimately, "In a time when" helps establish a connection between a specific period and the events or conditions you're discussing, adding depth and relevance to your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

During an era when

Replaces "in a time" with "during an era", suggesting a longer, more defined historical period.

In an age when

Similar to "during an era", but emphasizes the present or recent past.

At a moment when

Focuses on a specific point in time, rather than a prolonged period.

undefined

More formal and explicit about the duration of the time being referenced.

In an epoch when

Implies a significant and distinctive period in history.

In days when

Sounds slightly archaic, referring to a past time.

While

Emphasizes simultaneous events or conditions.

As

Indicates a causal relationship between the time and the event or condition.

Given that

Highlights the circumstances or context influencing a situation.

Considering that

Introduces a situation that needs to be taken in account.

FAQs

What's a simpler way to say "In a time when"?

You can use alternatives such as "as", "while", or "now that" depending on the context.

Is "In a time when" suitable for formal writing?

Yes, "In a time when" is suitable for formal writing. It can effectively set the context for your statements, especially when discussing historical or societal changes. However, consider more concise options like "during an era when" or "in an age when" for better flow.

How does "In a time when" differ from "During a time when"?

"In a time when" and "During a time when" are largely interchangeable. However, "during" emphasizes the duration or period, while "in" simply places the event within a specific timeframe.

Can I use "In a time when" at the beginning of a sentence?

Yes, "In a time when" can be used at the beginning of a sentence to introduce a setting or condition. For example: "In a time when information spreads rapidly, verifying sources is crucial."