in its time

USAGE SUMMARY

"in its time" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is generally used to indicate something that is no longer in use or is no longer happening. For example: "The typewriter was a revolutionary invention in its time, but now computers have taken over."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Had it screened widely in its time, it would have marked film history.

The New Yorker

It was important to set it in its time.

The Guardian

In its time, it was heresy.

The Guardian - Books

Had the director's 1982 movie screened widely in its time, it would have marked film history.

The New Yorker

Considered shocking in its time, it was funny, acidic and very dramatic.

Huffington Post

"I'm happy with it because it's in its time," Mr. Hammerstein said.

The New York Times

At each point, it was No. 1 in its time period.

Forbes

"It will come later, in its time".

Huffington Post

It is easily No. 1 in its time period.

The New York Times

It was the most-watched show in its time slot.

The New York Times

It's also an album fixed in its time.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in its time" to highlight the contrast between past relevance and present status, emphasizing how perceptions or values have shifted over time.

Common error

Avoid using "in its time" when discussing something still relevant today. This phrase emphasizes a contrast with the present, so it is unsuitable for things that maintain ongoing importance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in its time" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify when something was relevant, popular, or significant. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating this usage, confirming its role in adding temporal context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Wiki

15%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in its time" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to emphasize the temporal context of a past event or state. As indicated by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and very common, particularly in News & Media. The phrase serves to highlight the contrast between past relevance and present status, indicating a shift in perception or obsolescence. While versatile, avoid using "in its time" for things still relevant today. Alternative phrases include ""at the time"" and "back in the day", offering similar meanings with varying degrees of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the time

Focuses on a specific moment rather than a broader era.

back in the day

Informal and nostalgic reference to a past era.

during that period

More formal and precise reference to a specific timeframe.

in those days

Similar to "back in the day" but slightly more formal.

in its heyday

Emphasizes the peak of popularity or success during a period.

when it was current

Highlights the relevance or popularity during a specific timeframe.

in that era

Highlights a specific era, often one that has distinct characteristics.

at that stage

Describes the particular state or condition of something during a given time.

in its prime

Emphasizes the time when something was at its best or most effective.

formerly

Indicates a previous state or condition, emphasizing change.

FAQs

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

Use "in its time" to refer to something that was significant or relevant in the past but may no longer be so. For example, "The Model T was revolutionary "at the time", but now it's a relic of the past."

What can I say instead of "in its time"?

You can use alternatives like ""at the time"", "back in the day", or "during that period" depending on the context.

Is "in its time" formal or informal?

"In its time" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. Phrases like "back in the day" are more informal, while "during that period" is more formal.

What's the difference between "in its time" and "at the time"?

"In its time" refers to a broader period when something was significant, while ""at the time"" refers to a specific point in the past. For example, "At the time, everyone used typewriters; "in its time", the typewriter revolutionized office work."