during the time when

USAGE SUMMARY

"during the time when" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to a period of time in the past. Example sentence: During the time when I was in elementary school, I loved playing tag with my friends at recess.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

HOFFMANN: That is during the time when I was Deputy Chief -until May 1940.

Yale University

Visit was during the time when the crippled Apollo was making its way back to Earth.

The New Yorker

Teaching is the activity that occurs during the time when students are in their chairs.

The New York Times

This extra code was added during the time when nothing is being drawn on the TV screen, after line 251.

Cornell University

They often suffer mental distress and even suicidal thoughts, particularly during the time when they are coming out.

The Guardian

Given that, how do you rate your achievements during the time when you first were in a leadership position?

The New York Times

She is allowed in the locker room only during the time when reporters are inside to conduct interviews.

The New York Times - Sports

If an alternating voltage is applied to the plate, current flows only during the time when the plate is positive.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Roeder said that during the time when Hemingway visited, quail were just about everywhere, but that began to change.

The New York Times - Sports

It does so by uncovering the centrality of marriage even during the time when LGBT advocates worked entirely outside of marriage and built nonmarital regimes.

Yale University

Each given clue refers uniquely to a part of the MIT video during the time when one of the parodies is playing.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While grammatically sound, consider using simpler alternatives like "when", "while", or "during which" for a more concise and impactful sentence.

Common error

Avoid using "during the time when" in simple sentences where a single word like "when" or "while" suffices. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "during the time when" functions as an adverbial phrase, specifying the temporal context within which an event or action occurs. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is a correct and usable phrase, although potentially replaceable with more concise alternatives. It introduces a dependent clause indicating when something happened.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

33%

Academia

21%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "during the time when" is a grammatically correct and frequently used way to specify a period of time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a valid phrase, but it is often verbose and replaceable with simpler options like "when", "while", or "during which". It functions as an adverbial phrase, providing temporal context, and it's found most commonly in news, scientific, and academic writing. When writing, remember that more concise alternatives can often enhance clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

when

A direct substitute, focusing on the point in time rather than the duration.

during which

A more formal and concise alternative, suitable for academic or professional writing.

while

A simpler, more concise way to indicate simultaneous events or actions.

as

Similar to "while", but can also imply a cause-and-effect relationship.

throughout the period when

Emphasizes the continuous nature of the action or state during the specified time.

in the course of

Highlights the progression of events happening within the specified timeframe.

at the point that

Focuses on a specific moment when something occurred or changed.

in the days when

Refers to a less specific, often nostalgic, time in the past.

in that era

Highlights a specific historical time period or epoch.

as long as

Expresses conditionality tied to the duration of time.

FAQs

What's a simpler way to say "during the time when"?

Alternatives include "when", "while", or "during which", depending on the specific context.

How can I make my writing less wordy when using "during the time when"?

Consider whether the phrase can be replaced with a single word or a shorter phrase without losing meaning. Often, "when" is sufficient.

Is "during the time when" always necessary in a sentence?

No, it is often redundant. Evaluate if the sentence retains its clarity and meaning with just "when" or "while".

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

"During the time when" refers to a period, whereas "at the time when" pinpoints a specific moment. Use "at the time when" when referring to a particular point.