at time when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at a time when" is correct and commonly used in written English. It is typically used to introduce a specific time or situation in the past, present, or future. Here are a few examples: - "At a time when technology was not yet advanced, people relied on manual labor for everyday tasks." - "We must make the most of our resources at a time when the economy is struggling." - "At a time when many are experiencing hardship, it is important to come together and support one another." - "I remember at a time when my grandmother would tell me stories about her childhood." - "At a time when I was feeling lost, my friends were there to offer guidance and support."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

where is the detected symbol at the output of the th subcarrier channel, at time, when the timing offset value are and is obtained after passing through a slicer.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Mr. Keillor's decision comes at time when public radio is facing a number of public setbacks.

The New York Times

And this is happening at time when those values are being increasingly questioned in Europe.

The Guardian - Opinion

The news of Mr. Sokol's trading in Lubrizol comes at time when federal authorities have cracked down on insider trading.

The New York Times

I'm grateful that this came at time when there was no pressing holiday for us to deal with.

The New York Times

He does so at time when breaking a secret has never been easier – and escaping "spoilers" has never been harder.

Independent

The I.M.F.'s warning comes at time when Asia looks set to lead a global economic recovery.

The New York Times

Soul City came at time when black culture was taking a larger role in the American mainstream.

The Guardian

And defense lawyers said their only crime was heading Purdue Pharma at time when others were committing crimes.

The New York Times

The controversy involving Ms. Dohrn, 59, comes at time when Americans are particularly sensitive about acts of terrorism.

The New York Times

Spurs' equaliser was deserved, coming at time when they had begun to press back into the game.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at time when" to clearly connect a specific point in time with concurrent events or conditions, providing context for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "at time when" in situations where a simple 'when' or 'while' would suffice. Overuse can make your writing sound stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives when the complexity isn't necessary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at time when" functions as a conjunction, connecting a specific moment in time with the circumstances or events that are occurring simultaneously. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and common use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at time when" is a conjunction phrase used to connect a specific moment with concurrent events or conditions. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various sources, particularly in news, media, and scientific domains. While it is versatile, simpler alternatives like "when" or "while" may be more appropriate in informal contexts. To enhance clarity, use "at time when" to provide context and connect time with prevailing circumstances. While authoritative, avoid overuse to prevent sounding verbose; simpler constructs often suffice in less complex sentences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

when

A simple conjunction that introduces a time clause.

during the period when

Replaces "at time" with "during the period", emphasizing the duration rather than a specific point.

while

A more concise alternative, indicating simultaneous events or conditions.

as

Similar to 'while', indicating simultaneity and often causality.

in an era when

Specifies a broader historical period with particular characteristics.

in a period when

Similar to 'in an era when', but less formal and can apply to shorter timeframes.

in circumstances where

Shifts the focus from time to the surrounding conditions or situation.

at a juncture where

Implies a critical or decisive moment with accompanying circumstances.

on an occasion when

Refers to a specific instance or event with associated conditions.

at the point that

Replaces "time when" with "point that", emphasizing a specific moment of change or decision.

FAQs

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

Use "at time when" to link a specific period to a related event or condition, providing context. For instance, "The study was conducted "at time when" resources were scarce" indicates both the timing and circumstances of the study.

What are some alternatives to "at time when"?

You can use alternatives such as "while", "as", or "during the period when" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "at time when" and simply using "when"?

"At time when" emphasizes the concurrent circumstances more strongly than a simple "when". "When" mainly indicates a time relationship, while "at time when" highlights the conditions or events happening simultaneously.

Can "at time when" be used in all contexts, or are there limitations?

While versatile, "at time when" is best suited for situations where providing context is important. In simple narratives, using just "when" might be more appropriate to avoid unnecessary formality.