in certain times

USAGE SUMMARY

"in certain times" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to specific moments in time, or states of being. For example, "In certain times of need, we must come together to help one another."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

In certain times in the South's history, you'd get strung up for doing that.

The Guardian - Film

"I think that in certain times both philosophies and approaches can be appropriate," he said.

The New Yorker

Instead of it just being in certain times, now we've put a complete stop on it".

The Guardian - Sport

"Fire, in certain times, is good: if you have to burn something out, kill it, delete it.

The New York Times

"We had a ban on phones in certain times anyway – players weren't allowed to be on their phones because they have to talk to each other.

The Guardian - Sport

Some social norms that are taken to be obvious in certain times and circles (homosexuals should be prosecuted, blacks and whites shouldn't marry) turn out to be intolerable, and others that look trivial (people should go bowling with each other) turn out to be indispensable.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Members of these groups were present to some degree throughout the years, but they clustered in higher amounts in certain time periods.

Cornell University

Stations often sell advertising time not in individual shows but in certain time periods (morning, afternoon or prime time) or in packages that place commercials in several different time blocks.

The New York Times

If you use the most fuel-efficient way of getting there, it would take about 4.7 years, and would only work in certain time windows when the planets are aligned correctly.

The Guardian - Film

There are two basic questions before the court: Is the film the sort of "electioneering communication" that the McCain-Feingold campaign finance law of 2002 says may not be broadcast in certain time windows before elections?

The New York Times

The spectra were recorded in certain time periods until constant spectra were obtained.

Chemistry Central Journal

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in certain times" to add nuance and precision when discussing events or phenomena that are not universally applicable. This helps avoid overgeneralizations.

Common error

Avoid using excessive adjectives to describe "times". For example, "in certain specific times" is redundant; simply use "in certain times" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in certain times" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses by specifying when an action or state occurs. Ludwig provides examples showing its role in setting temporal boundaries for events or conditions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in certain times" serves to specify events or conditions that are not universally true but contingent on particular moments or periods. As confirmed by Ludwig, this prepositional phrase is grammatically sound and finds usage across different contexts, predominantly in News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources. While its frequency is classified as uncommon, the phrase effectively adds nuance and precision to statements. Alternatives such as "at specific junctures" or "during particular periods" can provide a more formal tone, depending on the context. When using "in certain times", avoid redundancy by refraining from adding unnecessary adjectives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at specific junctures

Replaces 'times' with a more formal word indicating important moments.

during particular periods

Substitutes 'certain times' with a phrase emphasizing duration.

under specific circumstances

Shifts the focus from time to the conditions present.

when the occasion arises

Replaces 'certain times' with a phrase highlighting opportunity.

in select instances

Emphasizes individual occurrences rather than broader time spans.

at given moments

Uses 'moments' to suggest shorter, more precise times.

in designated periods

Implies a pre-defined or officially set time frame.

during specific eras

Suggests longer time spans, possibly historical.

when conditions are met

Focuses on the fulfillment of requirements rather than a time frame.

in opportune moments

Highlights the favorability of the time rather than just its existence.

FAQs

How can I use "in certain times" in a sentence?

You can use "in certain times" to specify that something is only true or applicable during particular periods or circumstances. For example, "In certain times, drastic measures are necessary".

What's a more formal alternative to "in certain times"?

For a more formal tone, you could use phrases like "at specific junctures" or "during particular periods" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "during certain times" instead of "in certain times"?

While "in certain times" is more common, "during certain times" can also be used, although it might sound slightly less idiomatic to some speakers. Both are generally acceptable, but "in" is often preferred.

How does "in certain times" differ from "at all times"?

"In certain times" implies that something is true only sometimes, whereas "at all times" suggests that something is always true or applicable. They represent opposite ends of a spectrum of frequency.