for those times

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for those times" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is commonly used to refer to a specific period or situation in the past, present, or future. Example: "Let's create a backup plan for those times when unexpected obstacles come up during the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You must allow yourself to be free for those times.

University of California, Berkeley

That was a lot of money for those times.

The New York Times

"Turbulent," Winfield said, "is a kind word for those times".

The New York Times - Sports

It's a godsend for those times when you need to cut out all distractions.

The New York Times - Tech

Damon's story is typical for those times: drugs, crime, spiritual redemption.

Independent

He'll even lay in some candy, for those times when nothing else works.

The New Yorker

Those were the answers for those times; they are not the answers for these times.

The New York Times

"February, March and April spring breaks — there is more space for those times".

The New York Times

"We were booed, insulted, and hissed... it was a theme far too advanced for those times".

The Guardian - Music

Here are a dozen places for those times you prefer to eat in.

The New York Times - Arts

This is a stand for 50 ml centrifuge tubes, for those times when a whole rack is just too much.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "for those times" to refer to recurring situations or conditions rather than isolated incidents. For example, "Keep a first-aid kit handy for those times when minor injuries occur."

Common error

Avoid using "for those times" when you mean "in that time". "For those times" refers to a set of circumstances, while "in that time" refers to a duration. For example, say "I learned a lot in that time", not "for those times".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for those times" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase. As Ludwig AI explains, it typically modifies a verb or noun, indicating a condition, situation, or period to which something applies or relates. Examples in Ludwig demonstrate its use in various contexts, from referring to past eras to potential future scenarios.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "for those times" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to specify circumstances, conditions or periods. As indicated by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and found frequently across diverse contexts, including news, academia, and general writing. While it maintains a generally neutral register suitable for both formal and informal use, it’s important to avoid confusing it with phrases like "in that time", which refers to duration rather than circumstance. By understanding these nuances, writers can effectively incorporate "for those times" to add clarity and context to their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

during that period

Focuses on a specific duration, implying a defined beginning and end, unlike the original phrase which is more general.

in those days

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

in that era

Emphasizes a historical period or epoch, adding a temporal dimension not necessarily present in the original phrase.

at such moments

Highlights specific instances or occurrences, making it more punctual compared to the original phrase.

back then

An informal way to refer to a time in the past, lacking the specificity of "for those times".

on those occasions

Similar to "at such moments", emphasizing particular instances or events rather than a broader period.

at that stage

Highlights a particular point in a process or development, often implying progression or change, which isn't always part of the original meaning.

when that happened

Directly refers to a specific event or occurrence, providing a causal link that might be absent in the original phrase.

under the circumstances

Emphasizes the conditions present during a particular situation, rather than the time itself.

given the situation

Similar to "under the circumstances", this focuses on the prevailing conditions rather than the temporal aspect.

FAQs

How can I use "for those times" in a sentence?

You can use "for those times" to refer to specific periods, situations, or circumstances. For example, "It's essential to have a backup plan "for those times" when unexpected problems arise."

What phrases are similar in meaning to "for those times"?

Similar phrases include "during that period", "in those days", or "at such moments", depending on the specific context you intend to convey.

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

While both phrases involve time, they aren't interchangeable. "For those times" refers to specific situations, while "in that time" indicates a duration. Consider the difference between "I felt very happy "in that time"" and "I had a plan "for those times"".

What's the difference between "for these times" and "for those times"?

"For these times" refers to the present or immediate future, whereas "for those times" refers to a past or more distant set of circumstances. "We need new strategies "for these times"". "The old rules worked well "for those times"".