back that time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "back that time" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is often used to refer to a specific time or event in the past. Example: "Back that time, people didn't have smartphones to rely on for directions. Instead, they had to use paper maps."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

"I'm always trying to get back that time that I'm losing," he said.

The New York Times

So what techniques have parents used to take back that time?

The New York Times

He told investigators he was attacked in 1994, and fought back that time, too.

The New York Times

"We keep on moving back that time, but I think there's absolutely no doubt that it's going to be done".

The New York Times

On return to work they continue on reduced pay to pay back that time but retain their pension entitlements throughout.

The Guardian

They had predicted a revival last year but pushed back that time line after President Donald Trump hiked tariffs on Chinese imports over complaints about Beijing's technology ambitions.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

They got back together that time, but this time it might be different.

Los Angeles Times

"It's tough going back that far in time.

BBC

Buy back that scarcest of resource: time.

Forbes

We give teams that time back," says Pascoulis.

TechCrunch

Why not give those employees that time back in productivity?

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "back that time" to create a sense of nostalgia or to draw a comparison between past and present circumstances. For instance, "Back that time, people relied heavily on physical books for information, unlike today's digital age."

Common error

Avoid using "back at that time" when you mean "at that time" or "back then." "Back at that time" often implies a return to a previous state or topic, while "back that time" refers to a past point without necessarily implying a return.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "back that time" functions as a prepositional phrase, often introducing a clause that refers to a specific period or event in the past. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a grammatically correct expression. Examples in Ludwig show it used to set the stage for comparisons or to recall specific circumstances.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

25%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "back that time" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that serves to contextualize events within a specific period in the past. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and versatility across various sources. It appears most frequently in "News & Media" and academic contexts. While alternatives like "in those days" and "during that era" exist, "back that time" offers a direct and effective way to reference a past moment, helping writers to create a clear connection between then and now.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

during that era

Focuses on a specific period, emphasizing its characteristics.

in those days

Refers to a past time, often implying a contrast with the present.

at that point

Highlights a particular moment in the past.

in that period

Similar to "during that era", but can apply to shorter time spans.

at that stage

Emphasizes a specific phase or level of development in the past.

way back when

Informal way to refer to a distant past.

in retrospect

Refers to looking back and considering a past time.

looking back then

Highlights the act of remembering or considering a past moment.

earlier in time

General phrase indicating something happened at a prior time.

in former times

Formal way to refer to the past, often used in historical contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "back that time" in a sentence?

You can use "back that time" to refer to a specific period or event in the past. For example, "Back that time, we didn't have the technology we have today."

What are some alternatives to "back that time"?

Some alternatives include "in those days", "during that era", or "at that point", depending on the context.

Is "back at that time" grammatically correct?

While "back that time" and "back then" are common, "back at that time" may imply returning to a previous point rather than simply referencing a past moment. Use it carefully to convey the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "back that time" and "back then"?

Both phrases refer to a time in the past. "Back that time" is often used to refer to a specific event or period, while "back then" is a more general reference to a past time.