in the era when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in the era when" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific period in history or a particular time frame when certain events or conditions existed. Example: "In the era when technology was rapidly advancing, many industries underwent significant transformations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

That speaks to the relative mediocrity of starters in the era when Morris shone.

The New York Times - Sports

And I feel lucky to have grown up in the era when we made mix cassettes.

The Guardian

"Thank God it survived in the era when other Gilbert buildings were demolished," Ms. Heilbrun said.

The New York Times

This ideal still inspires in the era when the options for personal intercourse via the internet are virtually limitless.

The Economist

I saw her on television singing with La Sonora Matancera, in the era when she sang with them.

The New York Times - Arts

Strangely, he grew up in the era when Hollywood was pitching its tent-pole movies for the first time.

Independent

At the very least, the scrolls evoke the diversity of Judaism in the era when Christianity emerged.

The New York Times - Arts

At the same time jazz is better fostered in institutions than it was in the era when Mr. Marsalis dropped out of Juilliard.

The New York Times - Arts

The Armstrong heyday was back in the era when the Postal Service, having been spun off into a quasi-private enterprise, was having delusions of corporate grandeur.

The New York Times

The list below gives the constellations of the zodiac, with the dates of the sun's passage through them in the era when their boundaries were fixed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

(Chinen) ★ Brad Mehldau (Friday and Saturday) In the era when Smoke was Augie's — a student hangout, invariably full of actual smoke — Mr. Mehldau was one of its habitués.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in the era when" to provide historical or contextual background to a statement. It effectively situates events or phenomena within a specific time frame, enhancing clarity and understanding for the reader.

Common error

Avoid constructing sentences using "in the era when" that rely too heavily on passive voice. Opt for active constructions to make your writing more direct and engaging. For example, instead of "Mistakes were made in the era when...", try "People made mistakes in the era when...".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the era when" functions as an adverbial phrase introducing a subordinate clause. It modifies the main clause by specifying the time period during which the action or state described in the main clause occurred. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

17%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "in the era when" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that effectively provides temporal context to a statement. As Ludwig AI confirms, its versatility makes it suitable for a variety of writing contexts, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedic content. When aiming for a more formal tone, alternatives like "during the period when" can be considered. While generally neutral, writers should ensure active voice and avoid overuse to maintain clarity and engagement. The phrase is most often found in authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian, highlighting its acceptance in formal and journalistic writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

during the period when

Replaces "era" with "period", offering a slightly more formal tone.

in the age when

Replaces "era" with "age", implying a broader, more culturally defined period.

in the time when

Substitutes "era" with "time", providing a simpler and more direct alternative.

in a period that

Similar to "during the period when" but slightly less common.

during the time that

Emphasizes the duration of the period.

at the point when

Changes the structure to focus on a specific moment rather than a longer period.

at a time when

Highlights a specific point within a broader period.

in those days when

Adds a nostalgic or historical feel, referring to a past time.

while

A concise alternative, suitable when the context is already clear.

when

The most concise alternative, suitable for simplifying sentences.

FAQs

How can I use "in the era when" in a sentence?

Use "in the era when" to introduce a specific time period characterized by certain conditions or events. For example, "In the era when the internet was new, websites were much simpler."

What's the difference between "in the era when" and "during the era when"?

The phrases "in the era when" and "during the era when" are very similar and often interchangeable. "During" may slightly emphasize the duration of the period, but the difference is minimal.

Are there more formal alternatives to "in the era when"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "during the period when" or "at the time when". These alternatives offer a slightly more elevated style suitable for academic or professional contexts.

Can I use "in the era where" instead of "in the era when"?

While "in the era where" might be encountered, it is generally less preferred than "in the era when". "When" is more appropriate for indicating a time period, whereas "where" refers to a location.