a time of upheaval

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a time of upheaval" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a period of chaos, disorder, or major changes. Example: "The 1960s were a time of upheaval in the United States, with civil rights protests, political assassinations, and the Vietnam War causing widespread unrest."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

It is a time of upheaval in publishing.

Independent

SXC and Catalyst are combining at a time of upheaval for drug benefits managers.

The New York Times

But the company's arrival comes at a time of upheaval in the independent film world.

The New York Times

The argument comes at a time of upheaval for The Courant.

The New York Times

The reopening came at a time of upheaval in an already troubled school district.

The New York Times

This was a time of upheaval at the university, then beset by student dissent.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

The shake-up comes at a time of major upheaval in Silicon Valley.

The New York Times

The image skewed the promise of happy-ever-after bliss at a time of social upheaval.

The Guardian - Books

In fact, the little things mean a lot at a time of enormous upheaval, she said.

The New York Times

Orwell wrote "Politics and the English Language" at a time of political upheaval and confusion.

The New Yorker

And Mr. Obama has portrayed such progress as crucial during a time of democratic upheaval in the Arab world.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a time of upheaval", ensure the context clearly identifies the specific area or system experiencing the disruption (e.g., "a time of political upheaval" or "a time of economic upheaval").

Common error

Avoid using "a time of upheaval" without specifying what is being disrupted. Without context, the phrase becomes vague and loses its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a time of upheaval" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject complement or an object of a preposition. It identifies a specific period characterized by significant disorder, change, or instability. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a time of upheaval" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a period marked by significant disruption, change, and instability. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely used and understood. Its frequency is high, particularly in news and media contexts, where it serves to characterize events and periods of significant transformation. While versatile, it is most effective when the specific area experiencing upheaval is clearly identified. To enhance your writing, avoid overgeneralization by providing specific context. Alternatives like "a period of turmoil" or "a moment of disruption" offer nuanced ways to convey similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a period of turmoil

Focuses on the emotional and societal disturbance of the time.

a moment of disruption

Highlights the interruption of normal processes and routines.

an era of transformation

Emphasizes the changing nature and long-term effects of the period.

a season of change

Suggests a natural, cyclical progression of events altering the status quo.

a phase of instability

Underscores the lack of equilibrium and predictability during that time.

a period of great unrest

Highlights the societal agitation and discontent.

a revolutionary period

Implies significant, systemic changes and potential for radical reform.

a time of great change

A broader expression that encompasses any significant alteration.

a period of turbulence

Highlights the chaotic and unpredictable nature of the time.

a watershed moment

Suggests a turning point with lasting consequences.

FAQs

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

You can use "a time of upheaval" to describe periods marked by significant change and instability, such as "The French Revolution was "a time of upheaval" for French society".

What are some alternatives to using "a time of upheaval"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a period of turmoil", "a moment of disruption", or "an era of transformation".

Is it more appropriate to say "a time of upheaval" or "a period of upheaval"?

"A time of upheaval" and "a period of upheaval" are largely interchangeable. The choice often depends on stylistic preference, though ""a time of upheaval"" might subtly emphasize the duration of the instability.

Can "a time of upheaval" refer to personal experiences, or is it primarily for larger events?

While often used for significant societal or global events, ""a time of upheaval"" can also describe personal experiences characterized by major disruptions or changes in one's life.