in another time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in another time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a period in the past that is distinct from the present. For example, "In another time, people used to trade goods to barter for what they needed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's like we are living in another time," he said.

The New Yorker

In another time, they might have been enemies.

The Economist

In another time, it might have ended there.

The New Yorker

In another time, Bagh-i-Shirkat might have been beautiful.

The New York Times

The valley had been a cathedral in another time.

The Guardian - Books

In another time, this might have been politically palatable.

The New York Times

In May 2009, Sinfonia premiered a new work by composer Laurie Altman called In Another Time.

Princeton University

It is instantly recognizable, and appears as though suspended in another time.

The New Yorker

In another time, another place, Sai Ram might have escaped serious harm.

The Guardian

Thankfully, they were around in another time when they were given shelter.

Independent

In another time, a man with Swartz's dark drive would have headed to the frontier.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in another time" to create a sense of contrast between the present and a past era, highlighting how circumstances, values, or technologies have changed.

Common error

Avoid using "in another time" when you simply mean 'later' or 'soon'. This phrase implies a significant difference in historical context, not just a point in the near future.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in another time" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate when something occurred or existed. It sets a temporal context that is different from the present, as Ludwig AI confirms with its examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Academia

8%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in another time" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that serves to contrast a past era with the present. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's prevalent in news and media, used to highlight changes in technology, culture, or societal norms. While generally neutral, its formality can vary. For alternatives, consider "in a different era" or "in former times" for a more formal tone. Avoid using it when simply referring to the near future.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in a different era

Focuses on a specific period characterized by distinct features.

in a past age

Emphasizes the historical aspect and the distance from the current time.

in former times

A more formal way of saying "in the past".

back in the day

Informal way to refer to a previous, often idealized, time.

in bygone days

Evokes a sense of nostalgia and a time long past.

in previous years

Refers to the time before the current year.

at an earlier stage

Highlights a prior phase or point in a process or timeline.

in ancient history

Points to a period far removed from the present, typically pre-modern.

during a different epoch

Uses a more scientific term to denote a distinct geological or historical period.

in retrospect

This reflects on the past in the light of new information or understanding.

FAQs

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

Use "in another time" to contrast the present with a distinct past era, such as, "In another time, people relied on handwritten letters instead of email".

What is a more formal way to say "in another time"?

For a more formal tone, you could use phrases like "in former times" or "in bygone days", which evoke a sense of history and temporal distance.

What's the difference between "in another time" and "in the past"?

"In the past" is a general reference to any time before the present. "In another time" suggests a specific, often qualitatively different, era or period within the past.

Is it correct to say "in another time and place"?

Yes, the phrase "in another time and place" is a common idiom that emphasizes differences in both temporal and geographical contexts, highlighting how circumstances can vary greatly.