In the era when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "In the era when" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a specific time period in the past or present when certain events or conditions existed. Example: "In the era when technology was rapidly advancing, many industries underwent significant transformations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In the era when television shaped mainstream consumer sentiment, companies enjoyed enormous power to alter their image through advertising.

The New York Times - Tech

In the era when the Irish language was seen as not useful for people's lives and careers, they stopped speaking it.

The Economist

In the era when Donald Trump is the president of the United States, it is hard for fiction to keep up with reality.

The Guardian - Books

That speaks to the relative mediocrity of starters in the era when Morris shone.

The New York Times - Sports

But it certainly became those things in the era when Lagerfeld was dominant.

The Guardian - Opinion

And I feel lucky to have grown up in the era when we made mix cassettes.

The Guardian

"Thank God it survived in the era when other Gilbert buildings were demolished," Ms. Heilbrun said.

The New York Times

This ideal still inspires in the era when the options for personal intercourse via the internet are virtually limitless.

The Economist

I saw her on television singing with La Sonora Matancera, in the era when she sang with them.

The New York Times - Arts

Strangely, he grew up in the era when Hollywood was pitching its tent-pole movies for the first time.

Independent

Like the current polarization, the inverted invective seems to have roots in the era when Silvio Berlusconi was prime minister.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in the era when" to set historical context or to emphasize the defining characteristics of a specific time period. This helps readers understand the circumstances surrounding the events or developments you are discussing.

Common error

Avoid using "in the era when" for events that are very recent or lack a clear historical context. This phrase works best when referring to a time period with distinct and widely recognized features.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the era when" functions as a prepositional phrase introducing a temporal clause. It sets a specific time frame or historical context for the main clause, describing the conditions, events, or characteristics prevalent during that period. Ludwig AI supports this by presenting numerous examples of its usage in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "in the era when" is a versatile phrase used to set a temporal context for events or conditions. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, especially in news and media, science, and encyclopedic contexts. While it functions primarily to provide historical background, its register remains relatively neutral. When using this phrase, be mindful of the historical scope and avoid applying it to very recent events. Alternatives include "during the time that" or simply "when", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

During the time that

This alternative focuses on the duration of the period, emphasizing the ongoing nature of the events.

In the period that

Replaces "era" with "period", maintaining the sense of a defined time span.

At the time that

Shifts the focus to a specific point in time within the broader era.

During the age of

Emphasizes the defining characteristics of the time period, particularly cultural or technological aspects.

In the age of

Similar to "during the age of" but with a slightly broader scope.

When

Uses a single word to introduce a clause describing the conditions of the time.

In those days when

Adds a nostalgic or historical tone, indicating a time long past.

In the days when

Similar to "back when" but slightly more formal.

Back when

Informal and often used to recall past events or conditions.

When the time was

Highlights specific events or circumstances that defined the time.

FAQs

How can I use "in the era when" in a sentence?

Use "in the era when" to introduce a clause that specifies the conditions or characteristics of a particular time period. For example, "In the era when television shaped mainstream consumer sentiment, companies enjoyed enormous power to alter their image through advertising."

What are some alternatives to "in the era when"?

You can use alternatives such as "during the time that", "in the period that", or simply "when" depending on the context.

Is "in the era when" formal or informal?

"In the era when" is generally considered neutral to formal. For more informal contexts, you could use phrases like "back when" or "in the days when".

What is the difference between "in the era when" and "during the era when"?

The phrases are largely interchangeable, but "in the era when" is more common. "During the era when" emphasizes the duration of the specified period, but the semantic difference is minimal.