an interesting time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an interesting time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a period or experience that is engaging or thought-provoking. Example: "During our trip to the museum, we had an interesting time exploring the various exhibits."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It was an interesting time," Uryasz said.

The New York Times - Sports

This was an interesting time.

The New York Times

For juvenile justice, it's an interesting time.

University of California, Berkeley

These guidelines come at an interesting time.

Harvard University

A: It was an interesting time!

Columbia University

So it's an interesting time to explore.

The New Yorker

This investment comes at an interesting time.

The Guardian

It's an interesting time to do so.

The Guardian - Sport

"It was an interesting time, interesting day".

The New York Times - Sports

The SDGs arrive at an interesting time.

The Guardian

But it was an interesting time.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "an interesting time" to introduce a period marked by significant changes, challenges, or opportunities. It sets a tone of anticipation or reflection.

Common error

Avoid using "an interesting time" as a generic placeholder when you can provide more specific details about what makes the time period notable. Replace it with more descriptive adjectives to enhance clarity and engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an interesting time" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "interesting" modifies the noun "time". According to Ludwig AI, it is a correct and usable phrase in written English, serving to describe a period or experience that is engaging or thought-provoking.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

35%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an interesting time" is a versatile expression used to describe periods marked by significant events, changes, or challenges. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and widely used in written English. It functions as a noun phrase, with "interesting" modifying "time", and serves to convey that a specific period is noteworthy or engaging. The phrase is found across diverse contexts, from news reports and academic articles to casual conversation, with a neutral register. When using "an interesting time", it's crucial to ensure it is specific and not a placeholder for more descriptive language. Related phrases include "a fascinating period" or "a significant moment", offering alternatives to add nuance. The phrase is very common and appears often in The New York Times, The Guardian, The New Yorker, The Economist, and TechCrunch.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a pivotal moment

Highlights the critical nature of the time, suggesting that it is a turning point or decision-making opportunity.

a fascinating period

Emphasizes the captivating nature of the time, focusing on its ability to intrigue and hold attention.

an exciting juncture

Focuses on the thrill and anticipation associated with the time, emphasizing its engaging nature.

a significant moment

Underscores the importance and potential consequences of the particular point in time.

a remarkable era

Highlights the noteworthy and exceptional qualities of the time, suggesting it is historically significant.

an eventful phase

Focuses on the occurrence of many notable incidents or activities during the period.

a compelling chapter

Frames the time as part of a larger narrative, emphasizing its engaging and persuasive nature.

a dynamic stage

Suggests a period characterized by change, activity, and progress.

a memorable occasion

Highlights the likelihood of the time being remembered due to its special or unusual qualities.

a challenging juncture

Implies that the time is difficult and requires careful decision-making.

FAQs

How can I use "an interesting time" in a sentence?

You can use "an interesting time" to describe a period characterized by significant events or changes. For example, "The 1960s were "an interesting time" in American history due to the civil rights movement and cultural shifts."

What are some alternatives to saying "an interesting time"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a fascinating period", "a remarkable era", or "a pivotal moment", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. See also "a significant moment", "an exciting juncture".

Is it correct to say "an interesting time to be alive"?

Yes, "an interesting time to be alive" is a common expression used to suggest that the present era is filled with notable events, changes, or challenges. This can be used in both positive and negative contexts.

What makes "an interesting time" different from a "difficult time"?

"An interesting time" focuses on the engaging or noteworthy aspects of a period, while "a difficult time" emphasizes challenges and hardships. While a period can be both, the choice depends on the speaker's intended focus and perspective. See also "a challenging juncture".