during term time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "during term time" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to a specific period of time when classes are in session at a school or university. Example: "During term time, students are expected to attend classes regularly and complete all assigned coursework."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

Not surprisingly some very unusual things happen during term time!

The Guardian

I had not been back during term time since I left.

The New Yorker

Should families be able to go on holiday during term time?

The Guardian - Travel

Glamorgan University has introduced weekly ID scans for its students during term time.

The Guardian

Parents currently risk being fined if they take their children out of school during term time.

Independent

Students from Bulgaria and Romania are eligible to work for no longer than 20 hours per week during term time.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

Leeds Student is published free every Friday during term-time.

The Guardian

"We don't want teachers preparing lessons during term-time," says Per Ledin, the company's boss.

The Economist

It was a quiet place, too – one that only burst into life during term-time at the local university.

The Guardian

Holidays are cheaper during term-time but saving money is not a reason to damage a child's education.

The Guardian

Parents should take their children on holiday during term-time because it can be more educationally beneficial than school, according to a teachers' union official.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "during term time" to clearly specify activities or restrictions applicable only when school or university is in regular session. This avoids ambiguity, especially when discussing policies or schedules.

Common error

Avoid using "during term time" when referring to periods outside the standard academic session, such as summer programs or intersession courses. Be precise about the specific period you're addressing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "during term time" functions as an adverbial phrase, specifying when an action or state occurs. It modifies a verb or clause by indicating the period in which it is valid, as confirmed by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "during term time" is a commonly used and grammatically correct prepositional phrase that specifies a period when classes are in session. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's frequently used to provide temporal context in discussions related to education. While the phrase has a neutral register and finds primary usage in news and media sources, it's essential to consider the scope when using this term to avoid ambiguity. Alternative phrases, such as "while classes are in session" or "throughout the school term", can offer variety while maintaining clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

while classes are in session

Focuses on the activity of classes being in session, rather than specifying the 'term'.

during the academic session

Uses a more formal tone by using 'academic session'.

throughout the school term

Emphasizes the duration covering the entire school term.

in session

A more concise alternative focusing on the state of being 'in session'.

while school is in session

Specifies that 'school' is in session.

during school hours

Focuses specifically on the hours of the school day.

on school days

Emphasizes the days when school is active.

within the school calendar

Positions the timing in reference to the official school calendar.

during the semester

Specifies 'semester' as the time period, usually in higher education.

in the course of the academic year

Refers to the broader timeframe of the 'academic year'.

FAQs

How is "during term time" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "during term time" is typically used to specify when certain rules, activities, or conditions are in effect, such as "Students are expected to attend all classes /s/while+classes+are+in+session".

What are some alternatives to using "during term time"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases such as "/s/while+classes+are+in+session", "/s/throughout+the+school+term", or "/s/in+session".

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

While understandable, the phrase "during term time" is more commonly used and considered grammatically correct. The inclusion of "the" is generally unnecessary.

Can "during term time" be used in contexts other than school or university?

While primarily associated with academic schedules, "during term time" can be adapted to other contexts with defined 'terms' or sessions, although it's most readily understood within education.