a time around

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a time around" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific occasion or instance of something happening again or in a different context. Example: "This time around, I plan to approach the project with a fresh perspective."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

"Unless something changes, we could see a time (around 2040, if nothing is done) when nearly every tax dollar collected will be needed to pay for retirement and health care for the elderly and interest on the debt," the authors warn.

The New York Times

The planes will start side by side, two at a time around the course.

The New York Times - Sports

There was a time around 1995 when I didn't want to be alive.

The Guardian

For a time around last Christmas he was far too ill to write.

The Guardian

"It was a time, around 1992-93, when there were no boundaries.

The New York Times - Arts

MEDAL OF HONOR Once upon a time (around eight years ago) Medal of Honor was the top war-game franchise.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

And so this once-upon-a-time around, Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine send several well-known fairy-tale folk into the woods with some grains of modern consciousness to help along the way.

The New York Times

A second time around, he hopes, that will be even better than the first time.

The New York Times - Sports

But I am a different athlete this time around, a different person even.

BBC

But is there a difference this time around?

The New York Times

Will that be a help this time around?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a time around", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you are referring to an approximate point in time or a duration. For example, "It happened a time around midnight" is more precise than "It happened a time around then".

Common error

Avoid using "a time around" without a specific temporal marker. Saying "I saw him a time around" lacks clarity. Instead, specify "I saw him a time around last week" to provide context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a time around" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs by specifying the time of an action or event. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates an approximation of when something occurred, similar to phrases like "about that time".

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a time around" is a common prepositional phrase used to indicate an approximate point in time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, especially in News & Media. When employing the phrase, ensure that the context clarifies the temporal reference to avoid vagueness. Consider alternatives like "approximately when" or "about that time" for similar meanings. Remember, while versatile, "a time around" is best suited for situations where precision isn't crucial.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

approximately when

Focuses on approximate timing rather than a general period.

about that time

Emphasizes the proximity in time, implying nearness to a specific point.

during that period

Highlights a specific duration or span of time.

in that era

Specifies a broader timeframe, such as a historical or cultural period.

near that instance

Implies closeness to a single, specific event.

close to then

Simple adverbial phrase indicating temporal proximity.

at approximately that moment

Adds emphasis and indicates greater formality.

in the vicinity of that hour

More precise and formal way to indicate a specific time range.

somewhere around that timeframe

More colloquial way to express approximation.

surrounding that temporal point

Abstract and theoretical description of time

FAQs

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

Use "a time around" to indicate an approximate point in time. For example, "The meeting is scheduled for "a time around" 3 PM".

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

You can use alternatives like "approximately when", "about that time", or "during that period" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a time around"?

Yes, "a time around" is a correct and usable phrase to indicate an approximate or general time. However, make sure your sentence is well structured.

What's the difference between "a time around" and "at that time"?

"A time around" suggests an approximation, while "at that time" indicates a specific point. For example, "I arrived "a time around" noon" versus "I arrived at that time".