In times when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "In times when" is correct and can be used in written English.
For example: In times when life seems too difficult, it's important to remember that things can always get better.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

In times when the dollar is strong, they often bury currency gains in their operating profits.

The New York Times

In times when I've been still as stone, music has nevertheless moved me.

The Guardian - Music

"In times when money drives football, Rogério is the guy in whom money couldn't match the love".

The New York Times - Sports

In times when people want to keep us separated, that in itself can be a political act.

The New York Times

In times when we thought ourselves indolent, we have afterwards discovered, that much was accomplished, and much was begun in us.

The New York Times

In times when funding is good, says Gardner, there is more flexibility for PIs to provide positions on a short notice.

Science Magazine

In times when the political cartoon becomes the easiest threat for the intolerant, the markers have the spirit in the ink to draw, critique, rant and ridicule.

BBC

In times when jobs are scarce we also see a rise in xenophobia and anti-immigrant sentiment.

Huffington Post

In times when there's so much that can pull us all apart, things like Pokemon Go bring people together.

Huffington Post

In times when patients without symptoms were overlooked, the mean HIV-1 RNA concentration at set-point was most likely overestimated.

Plosone

In times when women contributed less to the family income, they might have been considered as an organ donor more often than the male members of the family.

BMC Nephrology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the formality of your writing. While "In times when" is generally acceptable, more formal alternatives like "During periods when" may be more appropriate for academic or professional contexts.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences or paragraphs with "In times when". This can make your writing sound repetitive. Instead, vary your sentence structure by using synonyms or rephrasing your ideas.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "In times when" functions as a prepositional phrase introducing a dependent clause. It sets a temporal context for the main clause, indicating the circumstances or conditions under which the statement holds true. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

40%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "In times when" serves to introduce a specific period or circumstance relevant to the main clause, as Ludwig AI has confirmed. Its correct grammatical structure and versatile application render it suitable for varied contexts, especially within news, media, and scientific domains. Although generally acceptable, it's important to consider more formal alternatives like "during periods when" in academic writing. Avoid overuse to maintain writing clarity and stylistic diversity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

During periods when

Replaces "in times" with "during periods", offering a slightly more formal tone.

In cases where

Emphasizes specific instances or occurrences.

In moments where

Substitutes "times" with "moments", emphasizing a shorter duration.

Under conditions where

Highlights the conditional aspect, emphasizing the specific conditions in place.

When circumstances dictate

Uses a more concise and formal structure, focusing on the influence of circumstances.

When occasions arise

Focuses on specific opportunities or events that present themselves.

As situations unfold

Implies a sense of progression or development over time.

When the situation is such that

A more elaborate and formal way of expressing the same concept.

Given the circumstances

Provides a broader context, considering all factors at play.

Under the current conditions

Focuses on the present and immediate context.

FAQs

How can I use "In times when" in a sentence?

The phrase "In times when" is used to set the stage for a situation or condition. For example: "In times when jobs are scarce we also see a rise in xenophobia and anti-immigrant sentiment."

What are some alternatives to "In times when"?

You can use alternatives such as "during periods when", "in situations where", or "when circumstances dictate" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "In times when" in formal writing?

Yes, "In times when" is generally acceptable, but for very formal writing, consider alternatives like "under conditions where" or "when the situation is such that".

What is the difference between "In times when" and "In moments when"?

"In times when" refers to extended periods, while "In moments when" suggests shorter, more specific instances. The choice depends on the duration you wish to emphasize.