at a time of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at a time of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used when referring to a specific point in time, usually a period of time such as a year, season, or month. For example: "At a time of great economic uncertainty, governments around the world had to develop new policies to help their citizens."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We are at a time of excess.

Stanford University

It began at a time of crisis.

The Guardian - Opinion

One at a time, of course.

The New York Times

She was an Orthodox Jew at a time of assimilation.

The New York Times - Books

You'll be working at a time of extraordinary technological change.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

President Trump was elected at a time of great uncertainty.

The New York Times

It created an outcry at a time of rising nationalism.

The New York Times - Tech

The anniversary comes at a time of heightened tensions.

The Guardian

Mr. Moon is leaving at a time of crucial transitions.

The New York Times

Churches are an appropriate space at a time of crisis.

The Guardian

He died at a time of apparent transition.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at a time of" to provide context to an event or situation, linking it to broader circumstances. This helps readers understand the significance of what you're describing.

Common error

Avoid using "at a time of" when referring to very precise moments. It's better suited for describing conditions or trends during a period, not single events. For specific times, use "at" followed by the specific time or date.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at a time of" functions as a prepositional phrase, providing temporal context and background information. It connects an event or situation to a specific period characterized by certain conditions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

40%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at a time of" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to provide temporal context and background to events or situations. It is grammatically correct and commonly used across various registers, especially in news media and academic writing. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity and provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in different contexts. When using "at a time of", remember to link the event to broader circumstances to enhance reader understanding. While suitable for describing conditions during a period, avoid using it for overly specific moments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in a period of

Emphasizes a specific duration or phase.

considering the state of

Focuses on the current condition or situation.

during an era of

Focuses on a longer, more defined historical period.

in light of the current

Emphasizes awareness of the present situation.

given the climate of

Highlights the prevailing attitude or environment.

in an age of

Implies a broad, cultural or technological context.

amidst a backdrop of

Suggests the events happening against a setting or condition.

under circumstances of

Highlights the surrounding conditions rather than a specific moment.

with the rise of

Specifically highlights the growth or emergence of something.

when faced with

Stresses confrontation with a particular situation.

FAQs

How do I use "at a time of" in a sentence?

Use "at a time of" to set a broader context for events or situations. For example, "The policy was implemented at a time of economic uncertainty" shows the conditions surrounding the policy’s implementation.

What phrases can I use instead of "at a time of"?

Alternatives include "during an era of", "in a period of", or "under circumstances of", each offering a slightly different nuance regarding the situation's nature.

Is it better to use "during" or "at a time of"?

"During" is suitable for specifying when something occurs within a defined period. "At a time of" emphasizes the surrounding conditions or characteristics of that period, providing additional context.

Can "at a time of" be used for positive situations?

Yes, "at a time of" can be used to describe both positive and negative situations. For example, "The company expanded at a time of economic growth" shows a positive context.