an age when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an age when" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific period in time characterized by certain events, trends, or cultural phenomena. Example: "We live in an age when technology influences every aspect of our lives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

An apt metaphor for an age when we are being asphyxiated by mushrooming clouds of information.

The New York Times

An overweight child will reach an age when they start to feel very unsure in themselves.

Bplans

He was 66, an age when most people are retired.

The New York Times

We live in an age when doing science is sexy".

The New Yorker

That's precious, at an age when you feel so lost.

The Guardian

What does privacy mean in an age when seemingly everything about me is known or knowable?

Princeton University

Children learned several foreign languages at an age when their tongues were still flexible.

Princeton University

In an age when celebrity rules, Congress can't be expected to resist the allure.

The Washington Post

After all, Corinna is 15, an age when heroes typically undergo a rite of passage.

The New York Times - Books

In an age when the big parties constantly fret about money, that's very significant.

The Guardian

In an age when consumers crave variety, luxury items pose a bit of a problem.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an age when" to provide context by linking a specific time period to prevailing conditions, trends, or characteristics. For example, "We live in "an age when" information is readily accessible."

Common error

While "an age when" is useful, avoid starting too many sentences with it in the same piece of writing. This can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your sentence structure by using alternatives like "during this era" or "in this period".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an age when" functions as an adverbial phrase introducing a relative clause, modifying a noun (often implied or stated before the phrase) by specifying a particular time period defined by certain conditions or characteristics. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

13%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an age when" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to situate events or conditions within a specific period characterized by particular attributes. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and common usage. Predominantly found in News & Media and academic contexts, it provides a neutral yet sophisticated way to contextualize information. While numerous alternatives exist, such as "a period when" or "an era when", understanding the specific nuances helps in choosing the most appropriate expression. When employing the phrase, strive for sentence variety and avoid overuse to enhance clarity and engagement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a period when

Replaces "age" with "period", focusing on a specific duration of time.

a time when

Substitutes "age" with "time", offering a more general reference to a point in time.

an era when

Replaces "age" with "era", suggesting a more significant or distinctive period.

a stage when

Substitutes "age" with "stage", referring to a phase or step in a process or development.

a moment when

Replaces "age" with "moment", pinpointing a specific instance.

a climate where

Changes "age" to "climate", shifting the focus to prevailing conditions or atmosphere.

a world where

Substitutes "age" with "world", emphasizing a broad societal or global context.

a society where

Replaces "age" with "society", focusing on the structure and organization of human communities.

a circumstance where

Swaps "age" for "circumstance", highlighting the specific conditions surrounding an event or situation.

a situation where

Changes "age" to "situation", referring to a specific set of conditions or circumstances.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "an age when" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "an era in which", "a period during which", or "a time in which". These options often lend a more sophisticated feel to your writing.

Is it correct to say "an age where" instead of "an age when"?

While "an age where" might be used colloquially, "an age when" is grammatically correct when referring to a time period characterized by specific conditions or events. "Where" is more appropriate for physical locations.

What are some synonyms for "age" that I can use with "when"?

You can replace "age" with synonyms like "era when", "period when", "time when", or "stage when" to add variety to your writing. The best choice depends on the specific context.

How does the meaning of "an age when" differ from "in the past"?

"An age when" refers to a specific period characterized by certain features or events, while "in the past" is a general reference to any time before the present. The former provides more context about the nature of the time being discussed.