during their time

USAGE SUMMARY

"during their time" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase when referring to a period of time in the past. For example, "During their time, they were able to accomplish many great things."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

Others acquire these during their time at the Divinity School.

Yale University

So what did they learn during their time here?

University of California, Berkeley

Our thoughts will be with his wife Linda and their children during their time of loss.

The New York Times

Our thoughts will be with Jim and his family during their time of loss.

The New York Times

Uruguay did not make many friends during their time in Mexico.

The Guardian - Sport

The pair have consistently and strenuously denied any wrongdoing during their time with City.

The Guardian - Sport

We hope their memories of him will comfort his extended family during their time of loss.

The New York Times

But he pointed out that his "guests" had changed during their time with him.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

This list represents genres students can expect to encounter during their time at Duke.

Duke University

"Spouses and veterans, during their time in the military, are not cultivating a robust professional network.

Forbes

During their time together she added the name "Seagull" and they named their son "Free".

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "during their time", ensure the context provides a clear reference to who 'they' refers to, and what specific period is being discussed.

Common error

Avoid using "during their time" without a clear antecedent for 'their'. This can lead to confusion if the reader doesn't know who or what 'their' refers to.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "during their time" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a verb or noun phrase to specify the timing of an action or state. As Ludwig AI points out, the examples show it defining a period when something occurred.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Academia

42%

Science

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "during their time" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to specify when an action or event occurred relative to a particular period, as Ludwig AI confirms. Its usage spans various contexts, from academic and scientific writing to news and general communication. While suitable for formal writing, it maintains a generally neutral tone. Key to its effective use is ensuring a clear reference for 'their' to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "throughout their duration" or "while they were there" offer similar meanings with slight contextual differences. Pay attention to this to create clear and accurate sentences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

throughout their duration

Emphasizes the entirety of the period, highlighting experiences or events that occurred from beginning to end.

in their tenure

Specifically refers to a period of holding a position or office.

while they were there

Focuses on a specific location and the events that happened during their presence there.

over the course of their involvement

Highlights the progression and development of events during their participation.

during their period of service

Specifically refers to a defined term of duty or employment.

in the time they spent

Highlights the activity of spending time in a particular place or activity.

for the duration of their stay

Focuses on the length of their visit or temporary residence.

during their term

Refers to a specific, limited period, often in an official capacity.

throughout their experience

Emphasizes the range of events and feelings encountered over the entire time.

while they were active

Highlights the period of engagement or participation in a particular field or activity.

FAQs

How can I use "during their time" in a sentence?

Use "during their time" to specify when something happened relative to a specific period. For example, "Many changes occurred "during their time" in office".

What are some alternatives to "during their time"?

Alternatives include "throughout their duration", "in their tenure", or "while they were there", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "during their time" or "in their time"?

"During their time" generally refers to a specific period with a defined beginning and end. "In their time" is more general, suggesting a broader era or lifetime. The better choice depends on the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "during their time" and "during that time"?

"During their time" refers to a period specifically associated with a group or individual, while "during that time" refers to a previously mentioned or understood period. The key difference lies in the specificity of the reference.