at a period when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at a period when" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific time frame or context in which an event or situation occurs. Example: "The research was conducted at a period when the technology was rapidly evolving."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

At a period when even beatniks wore ties, it was mindblowing.

The Guardian

"I was looking at a period when corn going into ethanol was rising much faster than what they looked at".

The New York Times

Emerging at a period when Loaded, Big Beat and Chris Evans reigned supreme, Belle and Sebastian appeared as a radical alternative.

The Guardian - Books

Lucienne set out on her career at a period when design was only just beginning to emerge as a recognisable profession.

The Guardian - Arts

The developers folded with debts of £333,000 (at a period when a pleasant three-bed semi in the town could be had for £750).

The Guardian

Joanna Baillie, (born Sept. 11, 1762, Hamilton, Lanark, Scot. died Feb. 23, 1851, Hampstead, London), poet and prolific dramatist whose plays, mainly in verse, were highly praised at a period when serious drama was in decline.

Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

"Ten or twenty years from now, I think that [early] period will be looked at as a period when, finally, markets were allowed to rationalize the gas industry," he says.

Forbes

"[And] at least a period when the BBC can scrutinise politicians without fear or favour".

The Guardian

It is five years since they lost two in a row in the Premiership at Welford Road, a period when they were below strength because of a World Cup held in New Zealand, and there is no sense of panic at a club that prides itself on consistency.

The Guardian - Sport

In more than a decade of my tenure at Stonewall – a period when even its most determined detractors, from Lord Tebbit to the Archbishop of Westminster, would not deny its parliamentary effectiveness – we declined to try to find out what thousands of Westminster candidates might claim to think about our issues.

The Guardian

From 1986 to 1995, Tisch served as chief executive and chairman of the board at CBS, a period when the nightly newscast of the "Tiffany Network" fell to third place and CBS lost National Football League broadcasts to the upstart Fox Network.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at a period when" to clearly establish a historical or contextual setting for an event or situation in your writing. This helps readers understand the circumstances surrounding your subject.

Common error

Avoid using "at a period when" excessively, as it can make your writing sound overly formal or repetitive. Consider simpler alternatives like "when" or "during" for a more concise style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at a period when" functions as a prepositional phrase acting as an adverbial modifier. It introduces a subordinate clause specifying the time or context in which the main clause's action occurs. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at a period when" serves as a useful tool for establishing temporal context in writing. While Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, it's important to be mindful of its potentially formal tone and consider simpler alternatives where appropriate. Common in news, encyclopedic, and scientific content, this phrase helps readers understand the circumstances surrounding the subject matter. Remember to use this phrase judiciously to enhance clarity and avoid unnecessary complexity. Consider using alternatives like "during a time when" or "when" to maintain a concise and engaging writing style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

when

Simply uses the conjunction "when" to introduce the time-related context.

during a time when

Replaces "at a period" with "during a time", slightly altering the emphasis on duration.

during which

A more formal alternative emphasizing the duration of the time frame.

at a time that

Replaces "period when" with "time that" for a slightly less formal tone.

in an era when

Substitutes "period" with "era", suggesting a longer and more significant time span.

in a phase where

Uses "phase" instead of "period", implying a stage of development or change.

while

A concise alternative, focusing on simultaneous events.

as

A shorter conjunction indicating a concurrent situation.

in those days when

Indicates a past time, adds a nostalgic tone.

at that point in time when

A more verbose version, adding emphasis to a specific moment.

FAQs

How can I use "at a period when" in a sentence?

Use "at a period when" to provide background or context, for example: "The study was conducted at a period when resources were scarce."

What can I say instead of "at a period when"?

You can use alternatives like "during a time when", "in an era when", or "when" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "at a time when" or "at a period when"?

"At a time when" is generally more concise and common. "At a period when" is more formal and emphasizes a longer duration. Choose based on your desired tone and context.

What's the difference between "at a period when" and "during"?

"During" is a preposition that specifies when something happens, while "at a period when" is a phrase that introduces a clause providing more detailed contextual information. For example, "The city thrived during the Renaissance" versus "The city thrived at a period when trade flourished and the arts were celebrated".