different times

USAGE SUMMARY

"different times" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to occasions or moments in the past or future that are not the same. For example, "We have celebrated this holiday at different times over the years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The circumstances differ at different times.

BBC

LIZADONNELLY: Very different times.

The New Yorker

"Those were different times".

The New Yorker

These were different times.

Yale University

These are very different times.

The Economist

But these are different times.

The New York Times

But these were different times.

The New Yorker

Different times, different people?

The New York Times - Books

They were different times.

The Guardian

Visit at different times.

The New York Times

These are different times.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "different times", provide context to clarify the specific periods or circumstances you are comparing. For example, instead of simply stating "These are different times", specify "These are different times in terms of technological advancement and social norms".

Common error

Avoid using "different times" without specifying what is different. Saying "Things were better in different times" lacks clarity. Instead, specify what aspects were better (e.g., "In different times, there was a stronger sense of community").

Linguistic Context

The phrase "different times" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as an adverbial modifier to indicate a temporal contrast or comparison. It sets the stage for contrasting situations, behaviors, or beliefs across distinct periods. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is both grammatically sound and widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "different times" is a grammatically correct and highly versatile phrase used to emphasize contrasts between distinct periods. As Ludwig AI states, it is widely accepted in written English, highlighting that it is suitable for various registers. The phrase commonly appears in news, academic writing, and informal conversation, often serving to contextualize shifts in attitudes, practices, or circumstances. Effective use of "different times" involves providing specific context to clarify the nature of the differences being discussed, avoiding vague or unsubstantiated comparisons. By considering the phrase's function, purpose, and register, writers can effectively leverage its communicative power to convey temporal contrasts. The phrase is best used when you want to indicate differences between time periods, and is confirmed by Ludwig to be suitable for many contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

distinct eras

Emphasizes the separation and unique characteristics of historical periods.

varying periods

Highlights the changing nature and duration of specific time frames.

changed circumstances

Focuses on alterations in conditions and situations over time.

altered days

Suggests a shift or modification in daily life and routines.

other days

Refers to previous or future periods, emphasizing a departure from the present.

earlier periods

Indicates time frames that precede the current moment.

later periods

Indicates time frames that follow the current moment.

bygone eras

Evokes a sense of nostalgia or reminiscence for past periods.

separate occasions

Highlights the individuality and uniqueness of each instance.

shifting tides

Emphasizes the fluctuating and evolving aspects of different periods.

FAQs

How can I use "different times" in a sentence?

You can use "different times" to compare past and present situations, such as "In "different times", people relied more on face-to-face communication".

What phrases are similar to "different times"?

Similar phrases include "distinct eras", "varying periods", or "changed circumstances", each emphasizing variations in time and conditions.

Is it correct to say "these are different times"?

Yes, "these are different times" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to indicate that the present situation is unlike the past.

What's the difference between "different times" and "other times"?

"Different times" highlights the contrast between periods, while "other times" simply refers to occasions separate from the present without necessarily implying a significant difference.