a delightful time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a delightful time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an enjoyable or pleasant experience, often in social contexts. Example: "We had a delightful time at the picnic, enjoying the sunshine and good company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

It was not a delightful time in my life".

The New York Times - Style

The exuberant clear skies and plumeria-tinged trade breezes of summer make it a delightful time to visit.

The New York Times - Travel

"He is having a delightful time, and all this is making him feel even more in charge".

The New York Times

Though shopping had always left her cold, Corsellis gave her a pass (hint, hint, gentlemen) to Balenciaga, where she had a delightful time browsing and buying.

The New York Times

It was hot, but a breeze picked up as the sun set over the Collegiate Gothic dormitories, and the crowd seemed to be having a delightful time.

The New York Times - Arts

Before I knew it, a group of young children were having a delightful time throwing pebbles aimed at where I had crudely repaired the tear with duct tape.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

The meeting takes place, and she reports: "Max, we had a perfectly delightful time.

The New York Times - Books

Hearing "Let's do the time warp again" might inspire more thoughts of Rocky Horror Picture Show than a burlesque performance, but Speakeasy Moderne, currently in performances at Stage 72, delivers a thoroughly delightful time warp that, after experiencing once, one will probably want to do again.

Huffington Post

Each of the works from the 60's in Gagosian's delightful time capsule of a show playfully riffs on a formal innovation in modern art.

The New York Times

There's a new baby in the house, but far from being the delightful time this should be, the family is coping with the fact that the baby has been born with problems.

The Guardian - Books

Having all that delightful time to spare is what I miss most about being a student.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a delightful time" to convey genuine enjoyment and create a positive impression. It works well in personal anecdotes, travel writing, and expressing gratitude.

Common error

Avoid using "a delightful time" in highly formal or business-related writing, as it can come across as too informal or lacking in seriousness. Opt for phrases like "a productive period" or "a successful venture" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a delightful time" functions as a noun phrase describing an experience. It combines an adjective ("delightful") modifying a noun ("time") to express pleasure or enjoyment. Ludwig shows many examples of its descriptive use.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Wiki

11%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

21%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a delightful time" is a common and grammatically correct way to express enjoyment and satisfaction. As shown by Ludwig's examples, it frequently appears in news and media sources. While its register is generally neutral, it's best to avoid using it in highly formal business contexts. Consider alternatives like "a wonderful time" or "an enjoyable time" for similar meanings. Ludwig AI validates that the phrase is perfectly usable and commonly employed in various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a wonderful experience

A more general phrase that conveys a high level of enjoyment and satisfaction.

a fantastic occasion

Expresses enthusiasm and excitement about the event or experience.

a great pleasure

Highlights the feeling of joy and satisfaction derived from the time spent.

a pleasurable experience

Emphasizes the enjoyable nature of the event, focusing on the sensory and emotional satisfaction derived.

a lovely experience

Indicates a gentle and pleasing experience, often associated with beauty and charm.

an enjoyable moment

Highlights a specific instance of pleasure, suitable for describing a brief, positive occurrence.

a positive experience

A broader term that emphasizes the favorable nature of the event without specifying the intensity of enjoyment.

a gratifying occasion

Suggests that the event was not only pleasant but also fulfilling and rewarding.

a memorable moment

Focuses on the lasting impact of the experience, emphasizing its significance.

a cherished memory

Implies that the time spent was so positive that it will be fondly remembered in the future.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "a delightful time"?

You can use alternatives like "a wonderful time", "an enjoyable time", or "a pleasurable experience" depending on the context.

How do I use "a delightful time" in a sentence?

You can say "We had a delightful time at the party" or "Summer is a delightful time to visit the coast".

Is "a delightful time" formal or informal?

"A delightful time" leans toward the informal side. While perfectly acceptable in many contexts, it may not be suitable for highly formal or professional settings. Consider alternatives like "a productive period" for formal business contexts.

What's the difference between "a delightful time" and "a good time"?

"A delightful time" suggests a more refined and sophisticated enjoyment than "a good time". "A good time" is a more general expression, while "a delightful time" implies a higher degree of pleasure and satisfaction.