an era when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'an era when' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in a sentence to provide context for something that happened or was happening during a particular period of time. For example: "The 80s was an era when metal music was popular among teenagers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

My parents lived in an era when norms mattered more.

University of California, Berkeley

"Now we're in an era when that enthusiasm has gone".

The New York Times

I GREW up in an era when nobody went anywhere.

The New York Times - Books

It's something left over from an era when we started".

The Guardian - Sport

They were of an era when family still prevailed".

The Guardian - Books

It was an era when babies were born at home.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In an era when most ethnographers failed to identify their informants, Miller gave credit to his.

Cornell University

Ardis published the best Russian literature in an era when the Soviet government wouldn't.

Stanford University

It was an era when new technologies including the internet had yet to emerge.

Columbia University

In an era when there were few female lawyers, Miers set out for the top.

The Washington Post

In an era when regulation was, to say the least, lax, Slater was shameless.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an era when" to set the context for historical events, cultural trends, or technological advancements, providing a clear temporal frame for your narrative.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "an era when" can sound overly formal in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "back when" or "in those days" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an era when" functions as an introductory relative clause, setting a temporal context for the main clause. It introduces a specific period characterized by certain conditions or events, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Academia

25%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an era when" serves as a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to establish a temporal context. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability across diverse writing styles, especially news, academia and science. While versatile, it's most effective in formal contexts. For more casual writing, consider alternatives like "a time when" or "back when". The phrase's primary role is to frame discussions within specific historical or cultural periods, allowing for a clear understanding of the defining characteristics of that time.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a period in which

Replaces "era" with "period", maintaining the temporal reference but using a more general term.

a time when

Substitutes "era" with "time", offering a simpler and more common way to refer to a specific point in history.

in an age where

Uses "age" instead of "era", providing a synonymous reference to a distinct period.

in those days when

Adds a nostalgic or historical feel, emphasizing a time in the past.

during a period that

Rephrases the concept using "during a period", providing a slightly more formal tone.

in a climate where

Shifts the focus to the prevailing conditions or atmosphere of a particular time.

a historical moment when

Emphasizes the historical significance of the period being discussed.

at a juncture where

Implies a critical or decisive point in time characterized by specific circumstances.

an epoch characterized by

Replaces "era" with "epoch", which is a specific period of time in history or a person's life. Also "when" is replaced with "characterized by" to focus on the aspects which define this period of time.

a stage in history where

Uses "stage in history" to emphasize the broader historical context.

FAQs

How can I use "an era when" in a sentence?

Use "an era when" to introduce a period characterized by specific conditions or events, like: "The 1920s were "an era when" jazz music and flapper culture flourished."

What are some alternatives to "an era when"?

You can use phrases like "a time when", "a period in which", or "in those days when" as alternatives to "an era when", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "an era when" in academic writing?

Yes, "an era when" is suitable for academic writing. It provides a formal and clear way to reference a specific historical period and its defining characteristics. However, ensure its usage aligns with the overall tone and style of your academic piece.

What's the difference between "an era when" and "an age when"?

While "era" and "age" are often used interchangeably, "era" typically refers to a more specific and defined period, whereas "age" can denote a broader, less precisely defined span of time. Using "an age when" might suggest a longer or less demarcated period than "an era when".