about that time

USAGE SUMMARY

"about that time" is correct and can be used in written English.
It can refer to a specific point in time, often in the past, and can be used in the context of talking about something that happened around that time. For example, "I went to college about that time, and it was an incredible experience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

ABOUT that time, her relationship with Mr. Holden began.

The New York Times

"It's about that time again".

The New Yorker

At about that time, General Motors and Chrysler started teetering.

The New York Times

Does he regret anything about that time?

The Guardian

What was so good about that time?

The Guardian - Film

Her feelings about that time are mixed.

The Guardian

"It's about that time," he said.

The New Yorker

"As you can see, it's about that time".

The New York Times - Sports

Sorry about that time we walked out of your shop.

The New Yorker

About that time he took the stage name Bruno Mars.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I don't remember an awful lot about that time.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "about that time", ensure the context clearly establishes the time being referenced. This avoids ambiguity and ensures the reader understands the temporal relationship.

Common error

Avoid using "about that time" without a clear antecedent reference. If the specific time isn't already established, provide more context or use a more precise phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "about that time" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate when something happened. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and use in written English. This phrase typically introduces information related to a previously mentioned time, providing a temporal context.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Encyclopedias

21%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

14%

Science

9%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "about that time" is a grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to indicate temporal proximity to a previously referenced moment. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is accurate and appropriate for written English. Its register is generally neutral, allowing use in various contexts, though more formal alternatives exist, such as "around that period" or "at that juncture". While versatile, ensure clarity by providing adequate context to establish the reference time, as ambiguous references represent a common pitfall. The phrase finds frequent use across news media, encyclopedias, and wiki sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

around that period

Emphasizes a span of time rather than a specific moment.

during that era

Implies a longer, more defined historical period.

at that point

Focuses on a precise moment or turning point.

in those days

Indicates a more distant and less specific past.

at that stage

Relates to a phase or step in a process or development.

in that timeframe

Highlights a specific period with defined start and end.

then

A simpler, more direct way to indicate sequence in time.

subsequently

Indicates an event following another in time or order.

shortly thereafter

Suggests an event occurred soon after a specific time.

at approximately that time

Adds an element of approximation or estimation to the timing.

FAQs

How can I use "about that time" in a sentence?

You can use "about that time" to refer to a specific point in the past. For instance, "I graduated college in 2010. "About that time", I started working at my first job."

What's a more formal alternative to "about that time"?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "around that period" or "during that era", which provide a similar meaning but with increased formality.

Is it okay to start a sentence with "about that time"?

Yes, it is grammatically acceptable to begin a sentence with "about that time". This can effectively establish a temporal link with the preceding context, creating a smooth flow of information.

How does "about that time" differ from "at that time"?

"About that time" implies an approximation, suggesting the event occurred near a specific moment. "At that time", conversely, indicates a more precise and definite point in time.