in ambitious times

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in ambitious times" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to periods characterized by high aspirations, goals, or efforts, often in a socio-economic or personal context. Example: "In ambitious times, people often strive to achieve their dreams and push the boundaries of what is possible."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

We live in ambitious times.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Kaiser, who has an almost Johnsonian flair for conjuring money, erased the deficit, and even during the recent economic downturn he continued to raise funds for large-scale projects, publicly insisting that arts organizations should remain ambitious in times of crisis.

The New Yorker

And while a major label may be reluctant to fund big-budget music videos in leaner times, ambitious artists can capitalize on their clout with streaming services that are willing to shepherd and promote such projects.

The New York Times - Arts

But, in time, ambitious companies also realise the need for capital to expand internationally or beyond a single genre for example.

The Guardian

In his ambitious and perfectly timed new biography, "Yeltsin: A Revolutionary Life," Leon Aron sets out to reclaim Yeltsin from the cartoonists and establish his importance as the instrument of a profound transformation of Russia.

The New York Times - Books

He is pragmatic, and cautions against being too ambitious in the time the PRT has left.

The Guardian

It will try to generate yields of up to 10%, an ambitious target in recessionary times.

The Guardian - Money

For example, General Motors' purchasing boss, Harold Kutner, recently explained that the company's hoped-for cost savings of $4 billion in 2002 was a stretch goal.In good times these ambitious targets encourage managers to fiddle the figures so that they are achieved, just.

The Economist

In recent times, few ambitious American novels have been set in countries outside the United States (exceptions, such as those of Norman Rush and Robert Stone, have perhaps influenced Berlinski's work); and very few have comprehensively imagined another country's inner life.

The New Yorker

Some are obvious - Mr M'Choakumchild, the teacher in Hard Times, or ambitious lawyer CJ Stryver in The Tale of Two Cities - but others are less so.

BBC

The ratchet mechanism is designed to push countries to become more ambitious over time, setting in place stocktakes, reviews and deadlines for new targets.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "era of innovation" or "age of progress" to provide a more nuanced description of the period you're referencing.

Common error

Avoid using "in ambitious times" without specifying the source or focus of the ambition. Vague references can weaken your argument. Be specific about who or what is driving the ambition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in ambitious times" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun, setting a temporal context. It indicates the circumstances under which an event occurs or a characteristic is observed. Ludwig confirms its standard usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Formal & Business

7%

Science

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in ambitious times" is a grammatically correct and usable expression, indicating a period defined by high aspirations and significant goals. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, particularly news and media, and is considered to have a neutral register. To enhance clarity and impact, be specific about the ambition being referenced, and consider synonyms such as "era of innovation" or "age of progress" for nuanced descriptions. The phrase is commonly found in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

during periods of high aspiration

Replaces "ambitious times" with a more descriptive phrase focused on aspiration, altering the noun.

in eras of great striving

Substitutes "ambitious" with "great striving", shifting the focus to effort and determination.

when aspirations are high

Reformulates the phrase as a clause, changing the structure to emphasize the state of aspirations.

in moments of intense drive

Replaces "ambitious times" with a focus on the "intense drive" characterizing the period, altering the specific emotional context.

during seasons of great ambition

Replaces "times" with "seasons", offering a slightly more metaphorical and temporal feel.

in an age of grand designs

Uses "grand designs" to represent the ambition of the period, providing a more literary and evocative alternative.

when dreams are pursued vigorously

Changes the phrase to a clause emphasizing the active pursuit of dreams, altering the focus from the time itself to the actions taken.

in a climate of high achievement

Shifts the focus to the results of ambition, emphasizing "high achievement" rather than the ambition itself.

during an epoch of bold initiatives

Replaces "ambitious times" with an emphasis on "bold initiatives", providing a more active and project-oriented connotation.

in periods defined by lofty goals

Focuses on the "lofty goals" that define the period, providing a more descriptive and less direct synonym for ambition.

FAQs

How can I use the phrase "in ambitious times" in a sentence?

You can use "in ambitious times" to describe a period characterized by high goals and significant efforts, such as "In ambitious times, individuals often pursue challenging careers and innovative projects."

What are some alternatives to saying "in ambitious times"?

Alternatives include "during periods of high aspiration", "in eras of great striving", or "when aspirations are high". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "in ambitious times" formal or informal?

The phrase "in ambitious times" is generally considered neutral and suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, the surrounding language should match the intended tone.

What makes "in ambitious times" different from "in prosperous times"?

"In ambitious times" emphasizes high aspirations and goals, while "in prosperous times" refers to a period of financial success and economic well-being. The former focuses on striving, while the latter focuses on achievement and wealth.