been a time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "been a time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific period in the past when something occurred or was true. Example: "There has been a time when we believed anything was possible."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's just been a time issue.

The New York Times

Historically there's been a time lag of about 20 yrs.

The New Yorker

Has there ever been a time when you considered splitting?

The New York Times

IT HAS been a time of miracles and wonders.

The Economist

There has never been a time when we don't believe.

Independent

It has been a time of profound disappointment and disillusionment.

The New York Times

This has been a time of dramatic transformation.

The New York Times

It's always been a time to see my family.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It has been a time to weather a hard storm.

The Guardian - Business

But it has also been a time of wonderful solidarity.

The Guardian - Opinion

There's never been a time in America without guns.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "been a time" to connect past events or experiences to the present, highlighting a change or continuity over time.

Common error

Be specific about the time frame you're referencing when using "been a time". Providing context enhances clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "been a time" functions as a temporal marker, indicating that a certain period has elapsed or that a specific condition existed at some point in the past. Ludwig AI shows numerous examples of this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "been a time" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to refer to past periods or conditions. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability, particularly in News & Media. While it is generally neutral in register, specifying the time frame enhances clarity. Consider alternatives like "there was a period" for more formal contexts. This analysis provides a complete understanding of the usage and nuances of "been a time".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

there was a period

Replaces "time" with the more formal "period".

it has been a phase

Replaces "time" with "phase", indicating a temporary period or stage.

there used to be a period

Combines "used to be" with "period" to emphasize a past state that no longer exists.

there existed an era

Substitutes "time" with "era", implying a longer, more significant duration.

it was formerly a period

Uses "formerly" to indicate a previous state or condition.

it was previously a period

Substitutes "previously" for "formerly", maintaining a similar meaning.

it was an epoch

Uses "epoch" instead of "time", suggesting a distinct and noteworthy period.

it once was the case

Offers a more formal and emphatic way of expressing a past situation or state.

it happened once

Simplifies the phrase to indicate a single occurrence in the past.

in days gone by

Uses an idiomatic expression to refer to a past time.

FAQs

How can I use "been a time" in a sentence?

You can use "been a time" to refer to a period when something specific happened or was true, like in the sentence "It's "been a time" of significant change".

What's a more formal way to say "been a time"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "there was a period" or "it was formerly a period" instead of ""been a time"".

Is it correct to say "there has been a time when"?

Yes, it is correct. "There has "been a time" when" is used to indicate that at some point in the past, a particular situation or condition existed.

What's the difference between "been a time" and "used to be a time"?

"Been a time" generally refers to a past period without necessarily implying that it no longer exists. "Used to be a time" emphasizes that the situation or condition is no longer current.