during periods when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "during periods when" is correct and can be used in written English.
This phrase is used to refer to a certain amount of time in which something occurs. For example, "During periods when children are learning remotely, teachers are available for online meetings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The men returned their shares during periods when Tyco's stock was trading at levels much higher than it was today.

The New York Times

Companies no longer need to build and maintain their own infrastructure, reducing costs during periods when workloads are smaller.

The Guardian

They said he had billed for more than 400 procedures during periods when he was actually out of the country.

The New York Times

In later years (ironically), during periods when he has been unable to make films, he has worked extensively in theatre.

The Guardian - Film

[T]he Commission's order prohibits promotional advertising to develop consumption during periods when demand for electricity is low.

Cornell University

It's renting out that river frontage for barge parking during periods when the cost of diesel slows river traffic.

Yale University

For example, the Commission's order prohibits promotional advertising to develop consumption during periods when demand for electricity is low.

Cornell University

These wet phases are interpreted from intervals of GWD facies formed during periods when the springs were active.

Quaternary Science Reviews

Its members also pursued separate careers during periods when the MJQ was not performing together, and in 1974 it disbanded.

Encyclopedia Britannica

To keep the animal relatively safe during periods when it doesn't need to eat, copulate or protect itself?

The New York Times - Books

More significantly, drug companies were important sources of biomedical research money, particularly during periods when federal support wavered.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "during periods when" to clearly indicate a specific timeframe or set of circumstances when an event or action occurs. This phrase is particularly useful in formal writing and when precision is needed.

Common error

Be mindful of unnecessary repetition. Sometimes, you can streamline your sentence by using a simpler alternative like "when" or "while" if the context is already clear. For example, instead of saying "During periods when the weather is hot, people tend to drink more water", you can say "When the weather is hot, people tend to drink more water".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "during periods when" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by specifying the time or circumstances under which an action occurs. As Ludwig AI highlights, this phrase is grammatically sound and serves to introduce a temporal context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

29%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "during periods when" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adverbial phrase that specifies a timeframe or situation for an action. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is appropriate for formal writing where clarity and precision are essential. It is commonly found in news, scientific, and academic contexts, but less so in informal settings. To avoid redundancy, consider shorter alternatives like "when" or "while" when the context is already clear. Remember that this phrase indicates a time frame or recurring situation in which something happens, providing context to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at times when

Replaces "during periods" with "at times", emphasizing specific moments rather than extended durations; creates a more punctual feeling.

on occasions when

Substitutes "during periods" with "on occasions", highlighting specific instances; gives a sense of individual events.

in instances where

Substitutes "during periods" with "in instances", highlighting particular cases or situations; sounds slightly more formal and specific.

in situations where

Replaces "during periods" with "in situations", shifting focus to the circumstances rather than time; emphasizes the conditional aspect.

while

Simplifies the phrase, focusing on simultaneous occurrence; less specific about extended time.

during the time that

It's a more literal rewording of the phrase, it is longer and it doesn't add any specific nuance or semantic characteristics.

when

Shortens the phrase, providing a more direct connection between the time and the event; simpler and more concise.

under circumstances where

Highlights the specific condition that enabled some event to occur

throughout times when

Emphasizes a continuous aspect over the considered period.

in the times that

Indicates the time frame or era where specific events are/were happening

FAQs

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

Use "during periods when" to specify a timeframe or recurring situation in which something happens. For example, "During periods when the demand is high, prices may increase."

What phrases are similar to "during periods when"?

Similar phrases include "at times when", "in instances where", or simply "when", depending on the level of formality and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to use "during periods when", or can I use a shorter alternative?

While "during periods when" is grammatically correct, you can often use simpler alternatives like "when" or "while" if the context is clear. The choice depends on the desired level of formality and precision.

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

"During periods when" emphasizes specific timeframes or recurring situations. "While" implies simultaneous occurrence, but it is less specific about the time period. For example, "During periods when the stock market is volatile, investors should be cautious" versus "While the market is open, traders are actively buying and selling stocks".