In those days

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "In those days" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a specific time period in the past, often evoking nostalgia or a sense of historical context. Example: "In those days, life was simpler, and people spent more time outdoors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

In those days, it was.

The New York Times

In those days, Palestine was predominantly Arab.

The New Yorker

In those days, we had illusions".

The New Yorker

"In those days I was handsome.

The New York Times

In those days, Barbie was queen.

The New York Times - Magazine

(In those days, conferences were grouped regionally).

The New Yorker

In those days we were all equals.

The New York Times - Sports

In those days, Ginsburg was a pioneer.

The New Yorker

In those days, tapes were not archived.

The New Yorker

In those days, tight regulation was justified.

The Economist

In those days the docks were bustling.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "In those days" to provide historical context or to contrast past conditions with the present. This sets a scene and allows readers to understand how things have changed.

Common error

Avoid shifting inconsistently between past and present tenses when using "In those days". Ensure the surrounding sentences maintain a consistent past tense to avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "In those days" functions as an adverbial phrase of time, specifying when something occurred. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase introduces context to an event or situation within a particular historical or remembered timeframe.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "In those days" is a versatile and commonly used adverbial phrase that sets a temporal context, typically contrasting past conditions with the present. As confirmed by Ludwig, it functions grammatically as an adverbial phrase and maintains a neutral register, fitting well across diverse news and media contexts. It's essential to use it consistently with past tenses to avoid grammatical errors. When aiming for variety, alternatives like "back then" or "at that time" can be considered. Ludwig's examples clearly show its prevalence and proper usage in conveying historical or remembered timeframes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Back then

This alternative is a shorter, more informal way to refer to a past time.

At that time

This alternative is a more neutral and direct way to specify a point in the past.

In that era

This alternative suggests a broader historical period, rather than specific events.

During that period

This alternative refers to a specific duration in the past, often longer than a single day.

In former times

This alternative is more formal and implies a significant difference from the present.

In previous years

This alternative specifically references years prior to the current time.

In the past

This alternative is a very general reference to any time before the present.

In bygone days

This alternative is more poetic and nostalgic, suggesting a time long past.

Way back when

This alternative is informal and suggests a distant, often fondly remembered past.

In earlier times

This alternative refers to a period before the present, with a sense of historical change.

FAQs

How can I use "In those days" in a sentence?

Use "In those days" to set a scene or describe a state of affairs that existed at a specific time in the past. For example, "In those days, travel was much more difficult than it is today".

What are some alternatives to "In those days"?

You can use alternatives like "back then", "at that time", or "in that era" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "In those day" instead of "In those days"?

No, it is not correct. The phrase is "In those days" because it refers to a period encompassing multiple days, not a single day.

What's the difference between "In those days" and "these days"?

"In those days" refers to a time in the past, while "these days" refers to the present or recent times. They are used to contrast past and present situations.