in a time when

USAGE SUMMARY

"in a time when" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a particular period of time. For example, "In a time when technology was not advanced, people used to communicate through letters."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"But in a time when there were cars and trucks".

The New Yorker

It came in a time when Iroquois communities were in great disruption.

Cornell University

In a time when good hardwood has become scarce, Rosenzweig's has great lumber.

The New Yorker

After all, my parents and grandparents grew up in a time when racism was more pronounced.

The New York Times

In a time when the industry doesn't promote models having voices, she's really broken the mold".

The New York Times

"In a time when advertising already looks like soft-core porn, where will they go?

The New York Times

In a time when misery memoirs rule the bestseller lists, Satrapi could have beat all comers.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Moving them would require more internal changes at Microsoft in a time when it needs stability.

TechCrunch

The good news is that we live in a time when effective PTSD treatment exists.

Harvard University

"We're in a time when there are too many photographs online," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

"Paper Planes" is a consensus moment in a time when consensus has become a unicorn.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in a time when" to set a specific historical or cultural context, providing readers with a clear understanding of the period's defining characteristics. It helps establish relevance and significance to the events or ideas being discussed.

Common error

Avoid repetitive use of "in a time when" within close proximity in your writing. Vary your sentence structure and use synonyms to maintain reader engagement and prevent monotony. For example, try "during an era when" or "in an age where".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a time when" functions as an adverbial phrase, specifically a temporal clause introducer. It provides a temporal context for the main clause, setting the scene or background against which the action or state of the main clause occurs. This is reflected in Ludwig AI's assessment of the phrase and supported by numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "in a time when" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that serves to establish a temporal context for a statement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used correctly and effectively in writing. It is particularly prevalent in news and media sources, but also appears in academic and business contexts. While versatile, it's important to avoid overuse and consider alternative phrases like "during an era when" or "in an age where" to maintain writing clarity and engagement. The phrase functions as an adverbial phrase, setting the scene for the main clause and aiding comprehension.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

during an era when

Focuses on a specific era, emphasizing the historical context.

in an age where

Highlights the characteristics of a particular age or period.

at a moment when

Emphasizes a specific point in time and its immediate circumstances.

in a period that

Uses a more general term to refer to a span of time.

in circumstances where

Shifts the focus to the prevailing circumstances or conditions.

under conditions that

Similar to the previous phrase, emphasizing the existing conditions.

when

Simplifies the phrase to a basic temporal conjunction.

as

Implies a concurrent action or state, often indicating a cause-and-effect relationship.

while

Highlights the simultaneous occurrence of two events or conditions.

at the point that

Focuses on a precise moment when something occurs.

FAQs

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

Use "in a time when" to introduce a clause that provides context by specifying a particular period or set of circumstances. For example, "In a time when technology was limited, people relied on traditional methods of communication".

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

Alternatives include "during an era when", "in an age where", "at a moment when", or simply using "when" or "while" depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "in a time when"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to start a sentence with "in a time when". It functions as an introductory phrase that sets the scene or provides context for the main clause.

What's the difference between "in a time when" and "during a time when"?

While both phrases are similar, "in a time when" is slightly more versatile and can refer to broader cultural or societal conditions. "During a time when" typically refers to a more specific period or event. For example, "In a time when social media is prevalent, privacy concerns are paramount" versus "During a time when the Roman Empire was at its peak, there were significant advancements in engineering".