a time of evil

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a time of evil" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a period characterized by malevolent actions, events, or influences, often in a literary or dramatic context. Example: "In the story, the kingdom fell into despair, marking a time of evil that would haunt its people for generations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Today few would dispute Trumbo's assessment of that very dark period: "The blacklist was a time of evil, and no one who survived it on either side came through untouched by evil".

The New York Times

But as a way to frame the discussions about canonizing Pius, he proposed that Catholic and Jewish theologians sit down together to talk about the standards for righteous conduct in a time of evil.

The New York Times

Rooted in a 2003 off-Broadway stage production by Christopher Trumbo based on his father's letters, Askin's film included David Strathairn (star of Good Night, and Good Luck) reciting Trumbo's 1970 speech to the Writers Guild of America in which he declared "that the blacklist was a time of evil and that no one on either side who survived it came through untouched by evil".

The Guardian - Film

Shot against a black backdrop, he sets the tone for this engrossing production as he says, "The blacklist was a time of evil and that no one on either side who survived it came through untouched by evil".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

He went on: "We have heard from many readers who have been moved by this honest portrayal of courage during a time of terrible evil, and we hope it continues to inspire and remind us to never forget the tragedy of the Holocaust".

Vice

The women participants reported pregnancy to be a time of high risk for evil spirit attack.

BMC Psychiatry

To harm an okene, refuse his or her legitimate request, or to fail to support him or her in a time of need is considered evil.

BMC International Health and Human Rights

The centenary ought to be, for those inclined, a time of sombre reflection upon the evils – and in the case of the ill-named "great war", utter pointlessness – of armed conflict.

The Guardian - Books

"We must and we do acknowledge that the world failed Rwanda at that time of evil," he said.

The New Yorker

"This exhibit goes back to a time of really rough concepts exploring good and evil," says Sawaya.

Vice

She published the stories in a book, "Dobri Ljudi u Vremenu Zla" (Good People in Times of Evil), printed in the town of Banja Luka in Bosnia's Serbian entity in 1999.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a time of evil", consider providing specific examples or context to illustrate the nature of the evil being described. This adds depth and clarity to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "a time of evil" as a generic descriptor. Always provide specific details or examples to illustrate the unique characteristics that define the period as evil. For example, instead of saying "It was a time of evil", specify "It was a time of evil, marked by widespread corruption and oppression".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a time of evil" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically used as an appositive or complement to describe or identify a specific period characterized by wickedness or malevolence. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is perfectly acceptable. Examples found by Ludwig showcase its use in both historical and fictional contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a time of evil" is a grammatically sound and usable expression, though relatively rare in general discourse. As verified by Ludwig AI, it functions as a noun phrase to describe a period marked by significant wickedness or malevolence, often in literary or historical contexts. While mostly neutral in register, it carries a somber and evocative tone, aiming to convey the gravity of such periods. When using the phrase, it's best practice to provide specific examples or context to enhance clarity and impact. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media sources, reflecting its use in discussing periods of significant societal or political turmoil.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

An era of darkness

Focuses on the oppressive and sinister qualities of the time.

A period of wickedness

Emphasizes the immoral and sinful nature of the time.

A dark age

Highlights the decline and regression associated with the time.

A season of malevolence

Emphasizes the malicious and spiteful nature of the time.

A reign of terror

Focuses on the fear and violence that characterized the time.

A moment of depravity

Highlights the moral corruption and wickedness of the time.

A spell of iniquity

Emphasizes the injustice and sinfulness of the time.

An age of corruption

Highlights the decay and dishonesty prevalent during the time.

A chapter of horrors

Focuses on the terrible and dreadful events of the time.

A stretch of depravity

Emphasizes the moral corruption and wickedness of the specific period.

FAQs

How can I use "a time of evil" in a sentence?

You can use "a time of evil" to describe a period marked by significant wickedness or malevolence. For example: "The story depicted the kingdom during "a time of evil", where the tyrant's reign brought suffering to all."

What are some alternatives to saying "a time of evil"?

Alternatives include "an era of darkness", "a period of wickedness", or "a dark age". Each emphasizes different aspects of a negative historical or fictional period. You can review some other alternatives "here".

Is "a time of evil" a formal or informal expression?

"A time of evil" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it's more commonly found in literary or historical writing where dramatic effect is desired. The formality depends more on the surrounding language and the overall tone of the piece.

What makes a period qualify as "a time of evil"?

A period can be described as ""a time of evil"" when it's characterized by widespread moral corruption, violence, oppression, and a general decline in ethical standards. Specific historical or fictional examples often illustrate these qualities.