during a time of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "during a time of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific period characterized by certain events or conditions. Example: "During a time of economic uncertainty, many businesses struggled to stay afloat."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He reigned during a time of relative calm.

Encyclopedia Britannica

What are the president's powers and limitations during a time of war?

The New York Times

"Summer in Baden-Baden" was composed during a time of penury and isolation.

The New York Times - Books

The move comes during a time of profound change and turmoil in the Murdoch family.

The New York Times

That must have been a heartbreaking experience during a time of optimism about the country's future.

The New Yorker

Conflict with the Soviet Union has perhaps been a unifying force during a time of change.

The New Yorker

Lazio has served in Congress during a time of almost unprecedented turbulence inside the Republican Party.

The New York Times - Magazine

Normally, it's during a time of transition in the mentee's life.

The Guardian

The last government saw the cost of welfare spiral during a time of economic growth.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We are recruiting a volunteer force during a time of war.

The New York Times

He wrote the script during a time of French protest against gay marriage.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "during a time of" to set the context for an event or situation by indicating the broader conditions or circumstances that prevailed.

Common error

Avoid using "during a time of" when referring to very short or instantaneous events; it's more appropriate for extended periods or situations. Consider "at the moment of" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "during a time of" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or clause, specifying the temporal context or circumstances surrounding an event or situation. As shown by Ludwig, it is a common way to provide background information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

16%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "during a time of" serves as a versatile prepositional phrase that provides essential context by situating events within specific periods or conditions. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. Predominantly found in News & Media, but also common in academic and encyclopedic contexts, its neutral register makes it appropriate for diverse writing styles. While its usage is generally straightforward, writers should avoid using it for extremely short events, as the phrase is best suited for extended periods. By considering these nuances, you can effectively employ "during a time of" to enrich your writing and provide a clearer understanding of events.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in an era of

Focuses on a broader historical period defined by specific characteristics, rather than a specific event.

in times defined by

Emphasizes particular eras known for specific factors.

in a period marked by

Highlights the defining traits of a particular time, offering a descriptive overview.

amidst an age of

Implies a surrounding environment or atmosphere, often emphasizing change or turmoil.

in moments of

Refers to specific instances or shorter intervals, often highlighting emotional or critical junctures.

at a point characterized by

Emphasizes a specific stage or juncture with identifiable attributes.

in years characterized by

Highlights specific years defined by certain conditions.

when faced with

Highlights moments of confrontation with certain conditions.

in the face of

Stresses the act of confronting a specific challenge, often with resilience.

throughout an interval of

Focuses on sustained periods or durations.

FAQs

How can I use "during a time of" in a sentence?

The phrase "during a time of" is used to specify the period or circumstance in which something occurs. For example, "Innovation is crucial "during a time of" economic uncertainty".

What are some alternatives to "during a time of"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "in an era of", "in a period marked by", or "amidst an age of". Each carries slightly different nuances.

Is it correct to say "during the time of" instead of "during a time of"?

While "during the time of" can be grammatically correct, it typically refers to a specific, well-defined period (e.g., "during the time of the Roman Empire"), whereas "during a time of" refers to a less specifically defined period characterized by a particular condition (e.g., ""during a time of" change").

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "during a time of"?

Avoid using ""during a time of"" for very short or momentary events. It's better suited for longer-lasting conditions or periods. For instance, use "at the moment of impact" instead of ""during a time of" impact".