during a time when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "during a time when" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific period in the past or present when something occurred or was relevant. Example: "During a time when the economy was struggling, many people sought new job opportunities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Mr. Corzine spent a fortune during a time when few people were listening," Mr. Franks said.

The New York Times

This was during a time when there was a lot of unrest in Ukraine.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

And this was during a time when things were just terrible.

The Guardian - Tech

I lived for many years during a time when people didn't talk about money very much".

The New Yorker

"She is evolving and growing during a time when that 'Father Knows Best' mentality ruled.

The New York Times

I give thanks for her example during a time when it was really needed.

The New York Times

My grandparents came from Ireland during a time when it wasn't very acceptable, and they endured.

The New York Times

Mr. Currin became friends with Mr. Stingel during a time when they had studios on Houston Street.

The New York Times

For example, I was once single for several years during a time when I lived in three different cities.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This is all happening during a time when we're constantly being bombarded with inaccurate claims of a global warming "pause".

The Guardian

She rose to fame during a time when it was difficult for people who looked like her to be accepted.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "during a time when" to provide historical or contextual background, making your writing more informative and engaging.

Common error

Avoid using "during a time when" in simple sentences where a more concise alternative like "when" or "as" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound verbose and less impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "during a time when" functions as a temporal conjunction, introducing a subordinate clause that specifies the period in which the main clause's action or state occurs. According to Ludwig, this usage is correct and well-supported by numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "during a time when" is a grammatically correct and versatile phrase used to provide temporal context. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted and supported by numerous real-world examples. While "during a time when" is frequently found in news and media, scientific writing, and wiki articles, it's crucial to avoid overuse in simple sentences where alternatives like "when" or "as" would be more concise. Remember to consider the context and desired level of formality to ensure the most effective communication. Top authoritative sources include The New York Times, The Guardian and Huffington Post.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in a period when

Uses "in a period" instead of "during a time", offering a more neutral and straightforward alternative.

at a point in time when

Replaces "during a time" with a more specific and slightly more formal alternative, emphasizing a particular moment.

in an era when

Substitutes "during a time" with "in an era", suggesting a broader historical period.

in a climate where

Focuses on the prevailing conditions or atmosphere during a specific time.

throughout an age when

A more emphatic and slightly archaic alternative to "during a time".

in those days when

Specifically refers to a past period, adding a nostalgic or historical tone.

while

A more concise alternative indicating simultaneous occurrence, suitable for shorter sentences.

as

Similar to "while" but can also imply causality depending on the context.

when

A simpler, more direct way to introduce a clause describing a specific time.

back when

An informal and concise way to refer to a time in the past.

FAQs

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

Use "during a time when" to introduce a clause that provides context or background information about a specific period. For example, "The invention occurred "during a time when" technological advancements were rapidly changing society".

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

You can use alternatives like "in an era when", "at a point in time when", or simply "when", depending on the desired level of formality and context.

Is it ever incorrect to use "during a time when"?

While grammatically correct, using "during a time when" can sometimes be unnecessarily wordy. In simpler sentences, a more concise option like "when" or "as" may be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "during a time when" and "while"?

"During a time when" provides broader contextual information about a period, whereas "while" typically indicates two actions happening simultaneously. The choice depends on whether you're emphasizing the period itself or the concurrent actions.