In the time of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "In the time of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific period or era in which certain events occurred or conditions existed. Example: "In the time of the Roman Empire, many advancements in engineering were made."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

In the time of Sisi, we have had enough killing".

Independent

In the time of crisis we have a choice to make.

Huffington Post

Etiquette In the Time Of Swine Flu: Videogum highlights this marvelous -- and timely!

Huffington Post

A feast in the time of plague.

The New Yorker

This was Ballarat in the time of Pell.

The Guardian - Opinion

And for "Love in the Time of Cholera"?

The New Yorker

Also: Love in the time of Dame Edna.

The New York Times

Love in the Time of Cholera is out tomorrow.

The Guardian - Books

Or it might be Love in the Time of Cholera.

The Guardian - Books

Love In The Time Of Cholera, by Gabriel García Márquez.

The Guardian

LOVE IN THE TIME OF CHOLERA Opens today nationwide.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "In the time of" to set a specific historical or cultural context for your writing, helping readers understand the conditions or events surrounding a particular situation. For example, "In the time of the Renaissance, art flourished."

Common error

Ensure that the verbs used in your sentences align with the timeframe established by "in the time of". Mixing past and present tenses can create confusion. For example, avoid saying "In the time of the dinosaurs, they are extinct now"; instead, use past tense consistently: "In the time of the dinosaurs, they were the dominant species."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "In the time of" acts as a prepositional phrase functioning as an adverbial modifier. It specifies the temporal context for the main clause, indicating when the action or state described in the clause occurs. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

24%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

6%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "In the time of" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to establish temporal context. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various domains. Analysis shows it is most frequently used in news and media, followed by science and wiki articles, indicating its relevance in both current events and historical discussions. When using this phrase, ensure your verb tenses are consistent with the established timeframe to avoid confusion. Alternative phrases include "during the era of" and "at the time of", each offering subtle differences in emphasis and formality. The consistent and varied usage documented by Ludwig confirms its place as a valuable tool for writers seeking to provide historical and temporal context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

At the time of

Is a more general and less emphatic way to indicate when something happened.

During

A simpler preposition to indicate the period in which something occurs.

During the era of

Focuses on a specific period or epoch rather than a more general timeframe.

In the age of

Emphasizes a broader cultural or technological period.

Within the period of

Highlights a defined duration or span.

During the reign of

Specifically references a monarch's rule.

Contemporaneously with

Indicates events happening at the same time but is more formal.

In the days of

Evokes a sense of nostalgia or a past era.

When

Uses a single word to introduce a clause indicating a time.

While

Implies that two events or situations occurred simultaneously.

FAQs

How can I use "In the time of" in a sentence?

Use "In the time of" to specify a period, era, or event during which something occurred. For example, "In the time of the Roman Empire, aqueducts were essential for providing fresh water".

What phrases are similar to "In the time of"?

Alternatives include phrases like "during the era of", "in the age of", or "at the time of depending" on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "In the times of" instead of "In the time of"?

While "in the times of" is grammatically correct, it's less common than "in the time of". The choice depends on whether you're referring to a general period or a specific event or era. For example "In the time of war" vs "In the times of uncertainty".

How does the formality of "In the time of" compare to other similar phrases?

"In the time of" is generally considered neutral in formality. Phrases like "contemporaneously with" are more formal, while simply using "during" or "when" is less formal.