about this time

USAGE SUMMARY

The expression "about this time" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to the present time, either in the past, present, or future. For example, "About this time last year, I was studying for my final exams."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

went "extinct" at about this time.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

About this time, I. Q

The New York Times

At about this time, night terrors began.

The New Yorker

"About this time, about this place.

The Guardian - Travel

But what about this time round?

The Guardian - Opinion

So what's the noise about this time?

The Guardian

The roar of approaching planes was heard about this time.

The New Yorker

Lidia, an attractive widow, remarried about this time.

The New Yorker

About this time ironware came to be used.

Encyclopedia Britannica

About this time she began modeling in wax.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Nobel Prizes are also awarded about this time.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "about this time" to connect past events with present circumstances, providing a temporal reference for your narrative.

Common error

Avoid using "about this time" when precision is crucial; it implies approximation, so opt for more specific dates or times if exactness is required.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "about this time" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by providing temporal context. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and indicates approximation in timing, as shown in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

23%

Science

27%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "about this time" is a versatile and grammatically sound temporal marker, as validated by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Scientific contexts, it serves to establish a reference point in time. To enhance clarity, avoid using "about this time" when precision is key. Related phrases include "around this period" and "at approximately this moment", offering alternative ways to express timing. Understanding the appropriate use of "about this time" can significantly improve the clarity and flow of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

around this period

Emphasizes a span of time instead of a precise moment.

at approximately this moment

Highlights the estimated nature of the timing.

in this era

Refers to a broader historical or cultural context.

during this phase

Suggests a stage or part of a process.

concurrently

Indicates events happening simultaneously.

at this juncture

Highlights the importance or decisiveness of the moment.

in these days

Emphasizes the current timeframe being discussed.

at this stage

Refers to a point within a sequence or development.

as of now

Highlights the present state or condition.

in present times

Draws attention to the characteristics of the modern era.

FAQs

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

Use "about this time" to indicate a moment or period that is close to the current time under discussion. For example, "About this time last year, I was on vacation".

What's an alternative to using "about this time"?

You can use phrases like "around this period", "at approximately this moment", or "in this era" depending on the context.

Is it better to be specific instead of saying "about this time"?

It depends on the context. "About this time" is suitable when an exact date isn't necessary or known. If precision is crucial, provide the specific date or time.

What's the difference between "around this time" and "about this time"?

The phrases "around this time" and "about this time" are very similar and often interchangeable. Both indicate an approximate time, but "around" may suggest a slightly wider range or less precision.