around a time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "around a time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate an approximate time or period when something occurs. Example: "We usually meet around a time that works for everyone, typically in the late afternoon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

It may be that we're just a procrastinating species, unable to rouse ourselves to a summer morning that begins at 4. Either way, we're sliding into the time of year when there is barely enough day to go around, a time when we learn to savor darkness all over again.

The New York Times

I've been around a time or two.

The Washington Post

I think all that sort of says is that I've been around a time or two on this earth.

University of California, Berkeley

These differences were more pronounced around a time window of 376 407 msec and showed a clear right lateralization for the pictures containing nuclear power plants.

Journal of Environmental Management

Different from system stability around a single equilibrium point, trajectory stability guarantees the system is stable around a time varying reference trajectory.

Ad Hoc Networks

If you want to hear it, hang around a Time & Envy nightclub for, ooh, about 13 minutes and you'll probably catch it.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

They may be walking around like a time bomb.

Independent

Employees tend to stick around a long time, too.

Huffington Post

The team I was studying at this organization rallied around a time-off goal of one meeting-free day a week, during which members worked from home.

Harvard Business Review

By contrast, fluctuations of around a time-independent average value indicate that variations of GC content are not influenced by replication-associated mutational biases.

Genome Biology and Evolution

Under this timescale separation, variations in immune efficacy due to the former processes can be considered transient perturbations around a time-averaged efficacy, which is the relevant value at longer evolutionary timescales.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When providing directions or scheduling events, use "around a time" followed by a specific timeframe to provide flexibility and account for possible delays or variations in arrival or start times.

Common error

Avoid using "around a time" when a precise schedule is required. Saying "the meeting is around 3 PM" suggests flexibility, which can cause confusion if punctuality is essential. Use "at 3 PM" instead for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "around a time" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or noun. It indicates approximation or estimation of a particular moment or period. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

24%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "around a time" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating an approximate or estimated time. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and common usage across contexts like News & Media, Science, and Academia. It is best used when precision is not essential and flexibility is desired. For more formal or precise scenarios, alternatives such as "approximately at a certain time" or providing an exact time are more appropriate. Understanding these nuances ensures clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

about a particular time

Simple alternative expressing approximation.

close to a specific time

Indicates nearness to a particular time.

at approximately a certain time

Emphasizes the approximation aspect, specifying it's about a particular moment.

somewhere around a certain hour

Focuses on an approximate hour instead of a more general time.

at roughly a specific point in time

Highlights the rough estimation of a particular moment.

in the vicinity of a given time

Formal alternative that highlights proximity to a specific moment.

in proximity to a determined time

Formal alternative that stresses closeness and a specific moment.

in the neighborhood of a time

More figurative alternative indicating temporal proximity.

surrounding a specific timeframe

Emphasizes the environment around the time.

during a certain period

Broader than the original phrase, focusing on the duration.

FAQs

How can I use "around a time" in a sentence?

Use "around a time" to indicate an approximation or estimation of when something occurs. For example, "We should arrive "around a time" that works for everyone".

What's the difference between "around a time" and "at a time"?

"Around a time" suggests an approximate time, whereas "at a time" implies a specific, exact moment. If you say "Meet me "around a time" like 3 pm", it's less precise than saying "Meet me at 3 pm".

What can I say instead of "around a time" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "approximately at a time", "in the vicinity of a time", or "close to a time". These phrases convey a similar meaning with a more elevated register.

Is it always appropriate to use "around a time"?

No, it's not always appropriate. Avoid using "around a time" in contexts where precision is crucial, such as in medical instructions or legal agreements. In such situations, providing an exact time is essential.