during those years

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'during those years' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a period of time that has already passed, such as: The technology industry has made tremendous progress during those years.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I was their classmate during those years.

The Guardian

These records document all aspects of Harvard during those years.

Harvard University

However, this schedule was changed during those years.

Cornell University

Very often people become sexually active during those years".

The New York Times

He had some grand commissions during those years of triumph.

The New York Times - Arts

a day in the theatre during those years.

The New Yorker

(Putin later described himself during those years as "a troublemaker").

The New Yorker

"This was truly an amazing place during those years".

The New York Times

Not that she sat around eating bonbons during those years.

The New York Times - Magazine

Was her political outlook formed during those years?

The Guardian

There was no uniform treatment for patients during those years.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "during those years", ensure the years you are referring to have been clearly established in the preceding context to avoid ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "during those years" without a clear reference to which years are being discussed. Always establish the timeframe before using the phrase, or rephrase to include the specific years.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "during those years" functions as a temporal prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or clause by specifying the time period in which an action or state occurred. Ludwig examples show this phrase providing context for events happening within a previously defined timeframe.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Academia

27%

Science

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "during those years" is a common and grammatically correct way to refer to a specific period in the past. As Ludwig AI confirms, its function is to provide temporal context. Predominantly found in News & Media and Academic sources, this neutral phrase requires a clear prior reference to the specific years being discussed to avoid ambiguity. For variety, consider alternatives such as "throughout that period" or "in those days", depending on the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

throughout that period

Uses "period" instead of "years", implying a specific duration already mentioned. "Throughout" emphasizes the entire duration.

in those days

More colloquial and less precise than "during those years", suggesting a time in the past, typically with nostalgic undertones.

during that span

Uses "span" instead of "years", suggesting a continuous period without specific yearly divisions.

throughout those times

Similar to "in those days" but can cover times both long ago or more recent.

at that time

More general, referring to a specific point or span of time previously indicated.

in that era

Implies a longer, more significant period, often associated with specific cultural or historical characteristics.

over that timeframe

More formal and technical, suitable for reports or academic contexts.

within that timeframe

Similar to "over that timeframe" but can also imply constraints or limitations during the period.

in the intervening years

Focuses on the years that passed between two specific events or periods.

in the preceding years

Refers to the years leading up to a particular event or time.

FAQs

How can I use "during those years" in a sentence?

Use "during those years" to refer to a previously mentioned period, as in, "The company experienced rapid growth. During those years, it expanded into international markets".

What phrases can I use instead of "during those years"?

You can use alternatives like "throughout that period", "in those days", or "at that time" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "in those years" instead of "during those years"?

While "in those years" is grammatically correct and often interchangeable, "during those years" may emphasize the unfolding of events throughout the entire period.

What's the difference between "during those years" and "in the intervening years"?

"During those years" refers to a specific, defined period, while "in the intervening years" "in the intervening years" refers to the years that have passed between two specific events or periods.