during the

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "during the" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate a specific time frame in which an event occurs. Example: "During the meeting, we discussed the new project timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

during the same period.

The New Yorker

shows during the war.

The New York Times

during the thirties.

The New Yorker

And during the day.

The New York Times

during the siege.

The New Yorker

during the Shootout.

The New York Times

Substitution during the break.

The New York Times

during the Korean engagement.

The New York Times

Not during the tournament.

The New York Times - Sports

during the day.

The New Yorker

Like during the recession.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "during the" to specify when an event takes place within a defined timeframe. Be precise about the timeframe you're referencing to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify "during the summer months" rather than just "during the summer".

Common error

Avoid using "during the" with overly broad or unspecified time periods. For example, instead of saying "problems arose during the time", specify "problems arose during the project's development phase" for greater clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "during the" functions as a prepositional phrase, introducing a timeframe within which an action or event occurs. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its use in various contexts, confirming its role in specifying temporal context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

35%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "during the" is a prepositional phrase used to specify the timeframe of an action or event. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and sees very common usage across diverse source types such as News & Media, Wiki, and Science. When using "during the", ensure you specify a clear timeframe. Alternatives like "throughout the" or "while the" can be used to add nuance. Overall, "during the" is a versatile and useful phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

while the

Highlights simultaneous actions or states existing together.

throughout the

Emphasizes the duration covering the entire period, not just a point within it.

as the

Indicates that something happens concurrently with the progression of something else.

in the course of the

Suggests a process or sequence of events happening while something else is ongoing.

within the

Implies containment and occurrence strictly inside a defined period.

in the midst of the

Suggests an action that takes place in the middle or thick of an event, perhaps during a busy or chaotic period.

in the time of

Often used to evoke a historical context or a bygone era.

at the time of the

Focuses on a singular moment or point when an event took place.

during the period of

More formal and emphasizes a specific segment of time.

over the course of the

Emphasizes the gradual development or progression throughout a particular duration.

FAQs

How can I use "during the" in a sentence?

Use "during the" to specify when an event occurs within a certain period. For example, "The power went out during the storm." or "He studied diligently during the semester."

What phrases can I use instead of "during the"?

You can use alternatives like "throughout the", "in the course of the", or "while the", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it always necessary to use "the" after "during"?

No, "the" is not always necessary. Use "during" followed by a specific noun or noun phrase. For example, you would say "during the meeting" but simply "during summer" or "during wartime".

What's the difference between "during the" and "in the course of"?

"During the" indicates a specific timeframe within which something happens. "In the course of" suggests a process or series of events occurring over a period. For example, "during the presentation" refers to a period, while "in the course of the investigation" implies a process.