around the time

USAGE SUMMARY

"around the time" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a specific period of time, especially when you don't know the exact time. For example, "I first heard the song around the time I graduated high school in 2006."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I was a teenager around the time.

The Guardian - Music

That's around the time humans adopted agriculture.

The Washington Post

These acoustic events occurred around the time of setting.

Cement and Concrete Research

They were chosen around the time of independence in 1968.

Harvard University

Around the time my ancestors were stuck at Donner Pass.

University of California, Berkeley

That started changing around the time he turned 60.

The New York Times - Arts

That was right around the time produce prices were soaring.

The New York Times

It was around the time that The Strokes were massive.

Independent

Around the time Sam was diagnosed, his parents split up.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Around the time she started reading the newspaper.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Hard day being zapped around the time-space continuum.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "around the time", ensure the context makes the referenced time period clear. Avoid ambiguity by specifying the event or date you are referring to.

Common error

Avoid using "around the time" without providing a clear reference point. For instance, instead of saying, "I met her around the time," specify, "I met her around the time of the conference."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "around the time" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a verb or noun to indicate an approximate timeframe. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It sets the context by specifying a period relevant to the action or state being described in the sentence. Examples show its use in both general and specific contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

17%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "around the time" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to indicate an approximate period when something occurred. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used, particularly in news and media contexts. While it's generally considered neutral in register, it's essential to provide a clear reference point to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "at about the same time" may be suitable for more formal contexts. Remember to specify the event or date to ensure clarity in your writing, and this simple phrase will add a natural, conversational feel to your sentences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at about the same time

Replaces "around" with "at about the same", emphasizing simultaneity.

in that period

Uses a more concise and general reference to a preceding time frame.

during that era

Implies a longer duration and perhaps a broader cultural or historical context.

concurrently with

Highlights the simultaneous nature of events.

in those days

Suggests a more distant past and a sense of nostalgia.

at that point in history

Formalizes the reference, placing it within a historical timeline.

while that was happening

Emphasizes the duration and ongoing nature of a related event.

in the vicinity of that date

Provides a more formal and precise indication of timing.

near that moment

Highlights the proximity in time, often emphasizing immediacy.

roughly when

Uses a more casual and approximate way to indicate timing.

FAQs

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

You can use "around the time" to indicate an approximate timeframe when something occurred. For example, "The project began "around the time" the new CEO was appointed."

What are some alternatives to saying "around the time"?

Alternatives include "at about the same time", "in that period", or "during that era", depending on the specific context.

Is it more formal to say "around the time" or "at approximately the same time"?

"At approximately the same time" is more formal than "around the time". The latter is suitable for general conversation or informal writing, while the former is better for formal or academic contexts.

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

"Around the time" indicates an approximate period, while "at the time" suggests a more specific moment. For instance, "I was traveling "around the time" of the Olympics," versus "I was working "at the time" of the accident."