at a time when

USAGE SUMMARY

"at a time when" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce a clause that refers to a particular past or present time period or event. Example: At a time when the global economy was struggling, the company made massive layoffs.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"She changed it at a time when it needed changing.

Independent

Mr. Azevêdo takes over at a time when the W.T.O.

The New York Times

But he served at a time when Democrats ruled Texas.

The New York Times

Anna Akhmatova lived at a time when poetry mattered.

The New York Times - Arts

It was at a time when defense was suffocating offense.

The New York Times - Sports

at a time when private debt is already too high.

The Guardian - Opinion

"That came at a time when I was leaving school.

The Guardian - Music

It was at a time when such care was rare.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"It was at a time when you need support.

The Guardian - Sport

This at a time when crimes of violence..

The Guardian

"David Cameron's speech [will] increase instability at a time when the economy needs stability and at a time when we need growth and investment in the economy.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at a time when" to provide context and explain the circumstances surrounding an event or decision. This helps readers understand the motivations and implications of the action.

Common error

Avoid using "at a time when" if you are simply describing a sequence of events without emphasizing the contextual significance of the time. Use a more direct temporal connector like "then" or "subsequently" if the timing is merely chronological.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at a time when" functions as a temporal connector, introducing a dependent clause that provides a specific time frame or circumstance. Ludwig AI confirms this is correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at a time when" serves as a valuable tool for providing temporal context in writing. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. It is best used to highlight specific conditions or circumstances surrounding an event, adding depth and understanding for the reader. Alternatives like "during an era when" or "in an age where" can offer similar meanings with slight variations. Avoiding overuse and ensuring proper temporal sequencing are key to effective usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

during an era when

Emphasizes a broader historical period rather than a specific moment.

in an age where

Highlights the characteristics of a particular generation or cultural context.

while simultaneously

Focuses on the concurrence of two or more events.

as things stood then

Refers specifically to past circumstances.

under the circumstances of

Highlights the surrounding conditions influencing a situation.

in light of recent events

Emphasizes the impact of current occurrences.

given the backdrop of

Sets the scene or background against which something occurs.

amidst the climate of

Describes the prevailing atmosphere or trend during a specific time.

concomitantly with

Indicates events happening together or in conjunction.

at the juncture of

Highlights a critical or decisive point in time.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "at a time when" in a sentence?

Use "at a time when" to introduce a clause that provides background information or context about the period being discussed. For instance, "The company struggled "at a time when" the economy was in recession".

What are some alternatives to "at a time when"?

Similar phrases include "during an era when", "in an age where", or "under the circumstances of", each adding a slightly different nuance to the temporal context.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "at a time when"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. Starting a sentence with "at a time when" is a valid way to introduce a dependent clause that sets a temporal context.

How does "at a time when" differ from "when"?

"When" simply indicates a point in time, while "at a time when" emphasizes the specific circumstances or conditions prevailing during that period, providing deeper contextual meaning.