in my time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in my time" is correct and usable in written English.
It is most commonly used to indicate that something was true in the speaker's past, but may not be true any longer. For example, "In my time, cell phones weren't as popular as they are now."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

IN MY TIME, by Dick Cheney with Liz Cheney.

The New York Times

In my time, Obama came along".

The New York Times

I've had many petitions in my time.

The New Yorker

Hell, I've heard worse in my time.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

In my time it was very different.

The Guardian - Sport

I've certainly had doper in my time.

The New Yorker

But I've done everything in my time.

The Guardian

In my time I loved people.

The New Yorker

I have, in my time, visited Ambridge.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"I've broken quite a bit of windows in my time.

The New York Times - Tech

"I have been spoiled in my time," he once said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in my time" to provide a personal perspective rooted in your past experiences, adding credibility and context to your statements.

Common error

Avoid using "in my time" when you mean "on time". "In my time" refers to a period in the past, whereas "on time" indicates punctuality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in my time" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by specifying the time frame of an action or state. Ludwig AI shows that it commonly introduces a contrast between past and present situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in my time" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to provide a personal, experience-based perspective, often contrasting the past with the present. Ludwig AI indicates that it's grammatically sound and very common, particularly in news and media contexts. When using "in my time", be mindful of its subtle differences from similar phrases like "during my time" or "back in the day", and avoid confusion with "on time". It effectively grounds statements in personal history, adding credibility and depth.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in my day

Highlights a contrast between past and present, similar to the original phrase, but with a slightly nostalgic tone.

during my tenure

Focuses on a specific period of holding a position or role, providing a more formal alternative.

back in the day

Similar to "in my day" but more informal and often used when reminiscing about the past.

when I was

A more direct and simpler way to refer to a past period in one's life.

during my time here

Specifies the period in relation to a particular place or situation.

in my experience

Emphasizes personal encounters and observations over a period of time.

in my era

Emphasizes a historical or cultural period experienced by the speaker.

in my lifetime

Refers to events or changes that have occurred within the speaker's entire life.

during my watch

Implies a responsibility or oversight during a certain timeframe.

in my stint

Refers to a limited or specific period of activity or service.

FAQs

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

"In my time" is used to describe something that occurred or was true during a period in your past. For example, you could say, "In my time, things were very different."

What's the difference between "in my time" and "during my time"?

While both phrases refer to a period in your past, "in my time" is more general, whereas "during my time" usually refers to a specific period or role. For example, "In my time, we didn't have the internet", versus "During my time as CEO, we doubled our profits".

Which is a more formal alternative to "in my time"?

A more formal alternative to "in my time" is "during my tenure", which is often used in professional contexts to refer to a specific period of holding a position.

Is "in my time" interchangeable with "back in the day"?

While both phrases refer to the past, "back in the day" is generally more nostalgic and informal, while "in my time" can be used in a broader range of contexts. Consider using "back in the day" when you want to reminisce about pleasant memories.