in a time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in a time" is correct and can be used in written English.
To give an example, you could say "In a time before smartphones, people communicated differently."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In a time of recession.

Independent

"New York supermarkets are in a time warp.

The New Yorker

We were in a time of prosperity.

The New York Times

Blanket bitterness stuck in a time warp.

The Guardian

She belongs in a time of plenty.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Hopefully not in a time of war.

The Guardian

We live in a time of tribes.

The New Yorker

We live in a time of fear.

The Guardian

We are in a time of flux.

The New York Times - Magazine

We're in a time of real opportunity".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Are we in a time warp?

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in a time" to set the scene or provide context by situating an event or idea within a specific period or set of circumstances. For example, "In a time of rapid technological advancement, adaptability is crucial."

Common error

Avoid using "in a time" when a more precise temporal marker would add clarity. For instance, instead of "in a time of crisis", specify "during the 2008 financial crisis" for greater impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a time" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase used to provide temporal context. It situates events, conditions, or situations within a defined period. Ludwig AI's analysis indicates the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Academia

29%

Huffington Post

14%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Forbes

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in a time" is a grammatically correct and very common prepositional phrase used to provide temporal context across diverse written and spoken scenarios. Analysis by Ludwig AI confirms its validity and frequent usage, especially in news and academic sources. While versatile, writers should be mindful of using more precise temporal markers when clarity is paramount. Related phrases such as "during an era" or "in an age" can serve as alternatives, depending on the specific nuance desired. By understanding the proper usage, writers can effectively integrate "in a time" to enrich their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in a period

Refers to a defined span, often within a broader historical or developmental context.

during an era

Specifies a longer period, emphasizing historical context rather than a specific instance.

in an age

Implies a distinct period characterized by specific cultural or technological features.

at a moment

Emphasizes a specific point, highlighting the immediacy and brevity of an occurrence.

while

A shorter, more direct term, indicating concurrence or simultaneity.

during a phase

Suggests a stage within a process, underscoring transitional or developmental aspects.

when

Introduces a temporal clause, specifying the circumstances under which an action occurs.

in an instance

Focuses on a particular occurrence, typically emphasizing its singularity or impact.

as

Connects events occurring simultaneously, indicating a proportional or causal relationship.

throughout a duration

Emphasizes the continued existence or persistence of something over a certain period.

FAQs

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

Use "in a time" to provide temporal context to a situation or event, such as "In a time of economic hardship, many families struggle to make ends meet".

What are some alternatives to "in a time"?

You can use alternatives such as "during an era", "in an age", or "in a period" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "in a time of crisis" or "during a crisis"?

Both "in a time of crisis" and "during a crisis" are correct, but "during a crisis" is more concise. The choice depends on the desired level of emphasis and formality.

When should I use "in a time" instead of "when"?

Use "in a time" to set a broader historical or contextual scene, whereas "when" is better for specifying a direct temporal connection. For example, "when" the market crashed is more specific than "in a time of economic uncertainty".