in a different time

USAGE SUMMARY

"in a different time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to any time period that is not the present time. For example: "I used to be so brave when I was younger, but now I would never take that kind of risk even if I had the chance - it was a different time back then."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was over a decade ago, in a different time.

Huffington Post

"I grew up in a different time.

The New York Times

"Now we live in a different time".

The New York Times - Arts

We are in a different time now.

The New York Times

We now live in a different time.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But like people in a different time.

The New Yorker

We're definitely in a different time now.

The New York Times

I'm 69 and I grew up in a different time.

The Guardian

Would Scotland be in a different time zone?

Independent

"I believe we're serving in a different time and place.

The New York Times

The founders' children had different inclinations, and they were raised in a different time.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in a different time" to highlight contrasts between past and present conditions, norms, or values. For example, when discussing historical changes in social attitudes or technological advancements.

Common error

Avoid using "in a different time" when a specific date or period is more appropriate. While "in a different time" conveys a general sense of temporal distance, providing concrete dates offers clarity and precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a different time" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify when something occurred or existed. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in a different time" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to emphasize the contrast between past and present contexts. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely used. Its neutral register and common occurrence in news, business, and academic writing make it a valuable tool for expressing temporal differences. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the intended comparison and consider alternative phrases like "in another era" or "back in the day" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in another era

Focuses on the concept of a distinct historical period.

back in the day

Suggests a nostalgic or informal reference to a past time.

in a previous period

Emphasizes the sequential aspect of time, referring to an earlier segment.

in days gone by

Evokes a sense of nostalgia and the passage of time.

in former times

Formally indicates a past era or period.

in earlier years

Highlights a period in the past.

in those days

Points to a specific, often remembered, time in the past.

during that age

Refers to a specific epoch or period in history.

in the olden days

Suggests a time long past, often with a historical or traditional connotation.

in bygone eras

Emphasizes that the time referred to is in the distant past.

FAQs

How can I use "in a different time" in a sentence?

Use "in a different time" to describe situations, attitudes, or conditions that have changed significantly over time. For example: "Practices that were acceptable then are viewed very differently "today"".

What are some alternatives to "in a different time"?

Alternatives include phrases like "in another era", "back in the day", or "in a previous period", each carrying slightly different connotations of temporal distance and context.

When is it better to use specific dates instead of "in a different time"?

If precision is needed, replace "in a different time" with specific years, decades, or historical periods. This provides greater clarity and avoids ambiguity.

What's the difference between "in a different time" and "in another place"?

"In a different time" refers to a different temporal context, while "in another place" refers to a different geographical or spatial context. They address different dimensions of context.