during an era when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "during an era when" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific time period in the past when certain events or conditions existed. Example: "The novel is set during an era when social norms were rapidly changing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nancy was one singular sensation in the cosmetics industry during an era when that was uncommon.

The New York Times

They emerged during an era when movies gussied up reality for purposes of enhancing their escapist appeal.

The New York Times

There, he served as chief art critic and often as a traditionalist scourge during an era when art movements fractured into unrecognizability.

The New York Times

Born and raised in Richmond, Virginia, Billie was talented and beautiful during an era when the world wasn't really looking out much for black female performers.

The New Yorker

Blatt attended Princeton during an era when Al Michaels was asking Americans if they believed in miracles during the 1980 Winter Olympics.

The New York Times - Sports

It could handle 18,000 people playing a game at the same time, during an era when many Web services broke down under modest pressure.

The New York Times - Tech

He wrote from Stalin's Russia during an era when there were few Western journalists in residence and when censors mutilated most copy.

The Washington Post

Schnyder, 39, played her first professional tournament 25 years ago, joining the WTA Tour during an era when Steffi Graf and Monica Seles ruled the women's game.

The New York Times - Sports

(Random House, $39.95). Some 330 reviews and essays from Rich's days as The Times's chief drama critic, during an era when the theater was not exactly flourishing.

The New York Times - Books

She quickly became far more devout than her parents, who had grown up during an era when secular ideologies like pan-Arabism and Communism were popular in Lebanon.

The New York Times

Always outspoken, always militant, he celebrated the roots of black culture during an era when "black is beautiful" and "black power" were echoing throughout the African diaspora.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "during an era when" to set the stage for understanding the unique characteristics or conditions that prevailed in a particular historical period.

Common error

Don't use "during an era when" without providing sufficient context. Readers need to understand the specific time period and its defining characteristics for the phrase to be meaningful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "during an era when" functions as an adverbial phrase, specifically a prepositional phrase, that introduces a subordinate clause providing temporal context. It modifies the main clause by specifying when something occurred or was the case. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

81%

Wiki

10%

Science

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "during an era when" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase employed to provide temporal context and background information. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is usable in written English. Analysis of its usage reveals its prevalence in news and media sources, with significant presence in wiki and scientific contexts as well. This phrase serves to set the stage for understanding events within a specific historical period, making it a valuable tool for writers aiming to provide depth and context. Alternatives such as "at a time when" or "in a period when" offer similar meaning with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in a period when

Replaces "era" with "period", offering a slightly more general term for a span of time.

at a time when

Substitutes "during an era" with "at a time", focusing on a specific point in time rather than a broader period.

in an age when

Uses "age" instead of "era", suggesting a longer and perhaps more distinct historical timeframe.

in a generation when

Replaces "era" with "generation", specifying a timeframe related to a group of people born around the same time.

during the time that

Offers a more direct and less formal way to express the same concept, avoiding the word "era".

back when

Provides a simpler, more informal alternative, implying a return to a past time.

in those days when

Emphasizes a nostalgic or historical perspective, highlighting past circumstances.

in the days when

Similar to "in those days when", but slightly less emphatic.

when

Simplifies the phrase to a single conjunction, relying on context to convey the era.

during that historical context

Replaces with a more descriptive phrase highlighting the specific historical setting and replacing "era".

FAQs

How can I use "during an era when" in a sentence?

Use "during an era when" to introduce a specific time period and describe the circumstances, events, or characteristics prevalent at that time. For example, "The novel is set "during an era when" social norms were rapidly changing".

What are some alternatives to "during an era when"?

You can use alternatives like "at a time when", "in a period when", or "in an age when" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How does "during an era when" differ from "in a time when"?

"During an era when" suggests a broader, more defined historical period, while "in a time when" can refer to a more specific or less defined moment. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the overall historical context or a particular point in time.

Is it more appropriate to use "during an era when" or "during a period when"?

Both "during an era when" and "during a period when" are correct and largely interchangeable. "Era" often implies a more significant or distinct historical span, but the choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.