at the time in question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at the time in question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific moment or period that is being discussed or analyzed. Example: "The events that transpired at the time in question were pivotal to the outcome of the investigation."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

Also, at the time in question, I was not in Berlin.

Yale University

A Jarvis spokesman said: "We have found no record of any Jarvis people on or near the site at the time in question.

The Guardian

That is what the plaintiff has to establish by a preponderance of the evidence to your unanimous satisfaction; that is, he has to establish that Ross Grimsley at the time in question failed to exercise ordinary care or due care.

Harvard University

Jack Straw, Tony Blair's Foreign Secretary between 2001 and 2006, will be interviewed, police and Whitehall officials pointed out, as he would have had to "sign off" operations by MI6 at the time in question.

Independent

A spokesman for Metro-North, which owns the tracks but does not run the freight trains, could not say if any cargo had moved on the tracks at the time in question.

The New York Times

The evidence shows and it is not denied that the Communist Party organization at the time in question was a revolutionary party having as its ultimate aim generally, and particularly in England and the United States, the overthrow of capitalistic government, and the substitution for it of the dictatorship of the proletariat.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

"Those efforts have found no documented evidence to support the patient's account or place Jimmy Savile at the hospital during the time in question.

The Guardian

To make statistical comparisons, we have to consider changes from baseline for those patients who responded at both baseline and the time in question.

British Journal of Cancer

In 1963, the concealment of Profumo's penis – the denial that it was where it was said to be at the times in question – was the premise of the greatest sex scandal of postwar British politics.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Mr. Van Os then asked "what difference would even that make" to the "factual reality of where was George W. Bush at the times in question and what was he doing?" A correction in this space yesterday misstated Newsweek's description of Mr. Burkett.

The New York Times

Mr. Van Os then asked "what difference would even that make" to the "factual reality of where was George W. Bush at the times in question and what was he doing?" The article also misidentified the position held by Mr. Bush's father in the early 1970's.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at the time in question" when you need to specifically highlight a particular moment or period that is central to your discussion or analysis.

Common error

Avoid using "at the time in question" in very casual conversations. Simpler alternatives like "then" or "at that time" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the time in question" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by specifying the temporal context. It pinpoints a specific moment or period relevant to the statement, much like the examples Ludwig shows.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Academia

28%

Science

28%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at the time in question" is a versatile phrase used to specify a particular moment or period under consideration. It is grammatically correct and commonly used across diverse contexts, including news, academia, and science. While suitable for formal and professional settings, simpler alternatives may be preferred in casual conversations. According to Ludwig, the phrase serves to provide clarity and precision regarding timing, ensuring a clear temporal frame of reference. Its frequency and consistent usage in authoritative sources reinforce its value as a valuable tool for written communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

during that period

This alternative is shorter and more direct, focusing on the duration rather than the questioning aspect.

at that specific moment

This alternative emphasizes a precise point in time, adding a sense of immediacy.

in the relevant timeframe

This phrase is more formal and emphasizes the relevance of the time period to the topic being discussed.

during the period under consideration

This is a more formal and elaborate way of saying "at the time in question", suitable for academic or legal contexts.

at the point in time being discussed

This alternative explicitly states that the time is currently under discussion.

when the events occurred

This focuses on the occurrence of events as the defining factor of the time period.

at the aforementioned time

This alternative is useful when referring back to a previously mentioned time.

in those days

This phrase implies a more distant past and a general period rather than a precise moment.

back then

This is a more informal and concise way of referring to a past time.

at that juncture

This alternative suggests a critical point or turning point in time.

FAQs

How can I use "at the time in question" in a sentence?

You can use "at the time in question" to specify a particular point in time that is relevant to the discussion. For instance, "The evidence suggests he was not present /s/at+the+time+in+question/."

What phrases are similar to "at the time in question"?

Similar phrases include "during that period", "at that specific moment", or "in the relevant timeframe".

Is "at the time in question" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "at the time in question" is suitable for formal writing, especially in legal, academic, or professional contexts where precision is important.

What's a less formal way to say "at the time in question"?

Less formal alternatives include "back then" or "in those days", which are more appropriate for casual conversation.