around this time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "around this time" is a commonly used phrase in written English and is used to refer to an approximate temporal reference.
For example: "I usually go to bed around this time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Around this time, Carter met Miller.

The New York Times - Sports

"Around this time, we discovered 78 records.

The New Yorker

His father died around this time.

The New Yorker

Ms. Zhang was hired around this time.

The New York Times

Around this time, his parents were divorcing.

The New Yorker

Will it be around this time next year?

Independent

There were impacts around this time.

University of California, Berkeley

It's just unbelievable, especially around this time.

The New York Times

Around this time he visited the Anga.

The Guardian

Politics made their impact around this time.

The Guardian - Books

I cave around this time every year.

The Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "around this time", ensure the context clearly establishes the reference point. Ambiguity can arise if the 'this' lacks a defined temporal anchor.

Common error

Avoid using "around this time" without providing a clear reference point. For instance, instead of saying 'Sales increased around this time', specify 'Sales increased around this time last year' for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "around this time" functions as an adverbial phrase of time, modifying a verb by indicating when an action occurred. Ludwig examples show it providing a temporal context without precise specification. It's flexible and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "around this time" is a very common prepositional phrase used to indicate an approximate point in time. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. It functions as an adverbial phrase, providing a temporal context without requiring precise dates. While versatile, it is more suitable for neutral or informal writing, though acceptable in more formal contexts. To enhance clarity, especially in formal documents, ensure that the temporal reference is evident to avoid ambiguity. Its high frequency across diverse sources like The New York Times, The New Yorker and Wikipedia underscores its general applicability. Remember to use specific dates for precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at about the same time

Uses simpler language and a slightly different structure.

in this general time frame

Uses 'general' to emphasize the lack of precision.

near this point in time

Offers a slightly more descriptive and less common alternative.

at approximately this period

Replaces common words with more formal synonyms.

during this approximate timeframe

Specifies an approximate period using different phrasing.

in the vicinity of this date

Employs more formal vocabulary to convey a similar temporal idea.

in proximity to this moment

Substitutes common terms with slightly more elaborate ones.

concurrently with this

Highlights simultaneity rather than proximity.

in the neighborhood of this hour

Uses a less literal, more figurative expression.

at this juncture

Replaces the phrase with a more concise and formal expression.

FAQs

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

Use "around this time" to indicate an approximate point in time. For example, "The project began to show results around this time last year".

What phrases are similar to "around this time"?

Similar phrases include "at about the same time", "during this period", or "in this time frame".

Is it better to be specific instead of using "around this time"?

Specificity depends on the context. If the exact time isn't crucial or is unknown, "around this time" is appropriate. If precision is necessary, provide a specific date or time.

Can I use "around this time" in formal writing?

While acceptable, it's more suitable for neutral or informal contexts. In formal writing, consider more precise alternatives like "during this period" or "at approximately this juncture".