a time after

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a time after" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific period that occurs following a particular event or moment. Example: "We will meet again at a time after the conference to discuss our next steps."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There will come a time after Trump.

The New Yorker

But there was: a next time and a time after that and a time after that.

The New York Times - Magazine

Alexander was popular in Poland for a time after 1815.

Encyclopedia Britannica

His work was forgotten for a time after his death.

Encyclopedia Britannica

ARTISTS MAKE works one at a time, after all.

The New York Times - Arts

For a time after that book Greene seemed written out.

The Guardian - Books

The difficulty is that there will be a next time, and a time after that, and a time after that.

The New Yorker

Britain's share declined and virtually disappeared for a time after the Falkland Islands War of 1982.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For a time after the financial crisis in 2008, deregulation talk was not in fashion.

The New York Times

For a time after Erdoğan's attack, "Magnificent Century" was the top item of national news.

The New Yorker

Mr. Ichida's parents lived here for a time after leaving Queens, as did his two sisters.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a time after", ensure the context clearly establishes the event or point in time being referenced, providing clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "a time after" without specifying the reference point; this can lead to ambiguity and confusion for the reader. Always provide a clear indication of what event or moment the 'time after' relates to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a time after" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun or verb. It indicates a duration or point occurring subsequent to a specific event or condition. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its use in temporal contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a time after" is a versatile phrase that functions as a prepositional modifier, indicating a period following a specific event. Ludwig AI analysis shows its usage as grammatically correct and very common across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Science. While generally neutral in register, it's essential to ensure clarity by specifying the reference event to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "subsequent to" or "following" may suit more formal contexts. Remember that while this phrase establishes temporal order, causal relationships might be better conveyed using phrases like "in the wake of".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

following

A more concise preposition indicating occurrence after a specific event or point in time.

subsequent to

Formal alternative indicating what comes later; emphasizes the order of events.

post

A prefix or adjective referring to something that happens after a certain event or time.

in the wake of

Suggests that something happens as a direct consequence or result of a preceding event.

afterward

An adverb indicating at a later time; more general than "a time after".

sometime later

Indicates an unspecified point in time following a reference point.

at a later juncture

More formal, indicating a point further along in time.

in the aftermath of

Describes the period that follows a significant event, especially one with negative consequences.

down the line

Suggests a point further into the future, often unspecified.

in due course

Suggests that something will happen at the appropriate or expected time.

FAQs

How can I use "a time after" in a sentence?

Use "a time after" to indicate a period following a specific event. For example, "For a time after the concert, the streets were crowded."

What's a more formal alternative to "a time after"?

Alternatives such as "subsequent to" or "following" are more formal ways to express the same idea.

How is "in the wake of" different from "a time after"?

"In the wake of" implies a direct consequence or result of a preceding event, whereas "a time after" simply denotes a period following an event without necessarily implying causation.

Can I use "a time after" to refer to an unspecified future period?

While technically possible, it's better to use phrases like "sometime later" or "in due course" when referring to an unspecified future period to avoid ambiguity.