in an age when

USAGE SUMMARY

"in an age when" is a correct usage in written English.
It typically refers to a specific period of time in the past, and is used in sentences such as: "In an age when few women were employed in the workforce, she forged her own path as a businesswoman."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

We live in an age when doing science is sexy".

The New Yorker

What does privacy mean in an age when seemingly everything about me is known or knowable?

Princeton University

In an age when celebrity rules, Congress can't be expected to resist the allure.

The Washington Post

In an age when the big parties constantly fret about money, that's very significant.

The Guardian

In an age when consumers crave variety, luxury items pose a bit of a problem.

Harvard Business Review

Surely, in an age when everybody eats and runs, this a wonderful thing?

The New York Times

"We are in an age when more people are becoming rich than ever before," he remarked.

The New York Times

"Now we're in an age when you can simply reinforce your own viewpoints.

The New Yorker

He is a good young fighter in an age when there are few.

The New Yorker

It's all highly improbable, especially in an age when even rock stars are disarmingly diligent.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

In an age when audiences cheer Donald Trump's insults of the media, it verged on inspirational.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in an age when", ensure that the subsequent clause clearly defines a dominant characteristic or condition of that era to provide context and relevance.

Common error

Avoid mixing past and present tenses within the sentence. Ensure the tense used in the 'when' clause aligns with the overall timeframe being discussed to maintain clarity and grammatical consistency.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in an age when" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying the main clause by providing a temporal and contextual setting. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. It introduces a specific period characterized by particular conditions or circumstances.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "in an age when" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to provide a temporal context, primarily used in news, business, and academic writing. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to situate events within a particular historical or cultural period. To ensure accuracy, maintain tense consistency and clear alignment between the phrase and the conditions it introduces. Alternatives such as "during a time when" or "in a period when" can be used for variety, but the core function remains the same: to establish a contextual framework for the information presented.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

during a time when

Focuses on the temporal aspect, emphasizing the duration of the period.

in a period when

Similar to "during a time when", but highlights the specific characteristics of the period.

at a point in history when

Emphasizes the historical significance of the moment.

in an era where

Replaces "age" with "era", suggesting a slightly longer and more defined historical period.

in a climate where

Shifts the focus from a specific time to the prevailing conditions or environment.

in a world where

Expands the scope to a global context, emphasizing worldwide conditions.

given that

Introduces a condition or fact that exists in the present time.

considering that

Similar to "given that", but implies a more thoughtful evaluation of the circumstances.

now that

Indicates a change in circumstances that influences the current situation.

with the advent of

Highlights the beginning or arrival of something new, which affects the current situation.

FAQs

How can I use "in an age when" in a sentence?

Use "in an age when" to set a historical context or to describe a period defined by specific circumstances. For example, "In an age when social media dominates communication, personal interactions are becoming less frequent."

What are some alternatives to "in an age when"?

You can use alternatives such as "during a time when", "in a period when", or "at a point in history when" depending on the specific context.

Is "in an age where" grammatically correct compared to "in an age when"?

Both "in an age when" and "in an age where" are grammatically acceptable, although "in an age when" is generally preferred for temporal contexts, while "in an age where" is more appropriate when referring to a condition or state of being.

How does the meaning of "in an age when" differ from "now that"?

"In an age when" establishes a broad historical or cultural context, whereas "now that" indicates a more immediate cause-and-effect relationship based on current circumstances.