for that time

USAGE SUMMARY

"for that time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a past period of time. For example: "Things were much different for that time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Except for that time he forgot.

The New York Times - Sports

"I have no nostalgia for that time.

The New York Times - Arts

"I'm really grateful for that time.

The Guardian

For that time, it's their home.

The Guardian

"You'd have to pay for that time".

The New York Times

Its yields were remarkable for that time.

The New York Times

My father was, for that time, a cosmopolitan figure.

University of California, Berkeley

Parents volunteer to do yard duty for that time.

University of California, Berkeley

You should be with us for that time.

The New Yorker

We just didn't want to for that time".

The New York Times - Arts

And so, for that time, it is real.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "for that time" to emphasize how circumstances, norms, or expectations differed in the past compared to the present. For example, "Medical treatments were rudimentary for that time."

Common error

Avoid using "for that time" without a clear reference point. Ensure the context makes it obvious which period you are referring to, or explicitly state the time frame to prevent ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for that time" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or adjective to specify when something occurred or was valid. It adds temporal context, indicating that a statement is true or relevant within a specific period. According to Ludwig and its examples, it is widely used to highlight differences between past and present conditions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

31%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "for that time" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to provide temporal context and perspective. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, with a neutral register making it suitable for various types of writing. Its primary function is to highlight how circumstances differed in the past, often implying a comparison to present-day norms. While highly frequent in news and academic sources, clarity is key: ensure the temporal reference is unambiguous to avoid vagueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

during that era

Replaces "time" with "era", emphasizing a specific historical period.

in that period

Substitutes "time" with "period", denoting a segment of time with defined boundaries.

back then

Offers a more informal and concise way to refer to a past time.

in those days

Refers to a past time, often implying a sense of nostalgia or difference from the present.

at that point

Focuses on a specific moment in time rather than a duration.

in that age

Refers to a specific historical era, similar to "during that era" but less common.

at the time

More generic than "for that time", applicable to a broader range of situations, to denote an action occurring simultaneously with a given event.

during that phase

Emphasizes a particular stage or part of a process.

for that duration

Highlights the length of time rather than the specific period itself.

at that stage

Similar to "at that point", focusing on a specific part of a process or development.

FAQs

How can I use "for that time" in a sentence?

Use "for that time" to indicate something was typical, acceptable, or understandable during a specific period in the past. For example, "Travel was much slower "for that time"".

What is a good alternative to "for that time"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "during that era", "in that period", or "back then" to express a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "in that time" instead of "for that time"?

While "in that time" might be grammatically correct in certain contexts (referring to duration), ""for that time"" is generally used to express something specific or typical of a particular era or period.

What does "for that time" imply about the subject?

"For that time" often implies that the subject in question (e.g. a technology, a social custom, or a belief) was different or less advanced compared to the present. It can also suggest a sense of nostalgia or a recognition of historical context.