in the time of

USAGE SUMMARY

"in the time of" is a perfectly valid expression in written English.
You can use it to refer to a period of time, such as in the sentence "In the time of the ancient Greeks, gods and goddesses were often worshiped."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A feast in the time of plague.

The New Yorker

Rishis stood in the time of Yudhishthira.

Columbia University

Naples in the Time of Cholera.

Yale University

In the time of Watteau [art original] / D.E.

Yale University

"We're really living in the time of giants," Goldbogen said.

Stanford University

This was Ballarat in the time of Pell.

The Guardian - Opinion

And for "Love in the Time of Cholera"?

The New Yorker

Also: Love in the time of Dame Edna.

The New York Times

Love in the Time of Cholera is out tomorrow.

The Guardian - Books

Or it might be Love in the Time of Cholera.

The Guardian - Books

Love In The Time Of Cholera, by Gabriel García Márquez.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in the time of" to provide historical context or to compare past situations with present ones. It helps frame events within a specific era or period, adding depth and understanding for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "in the time of" when referring to very short or imprecise durations. This phrase is most effective when describing a distinct era or period with recognizable characteristics, not fleeting moments.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the time of" functions as a prepositional phrase that provides temporal context, situating an event, person, or object within a particular historical period or era. Ludwig shows its use in specifying when something existed or occurred.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Academia

41%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in the time of" serves as a versatile prepositional phrase used to provide temporal context, situating events within specific historical periods. As demonstrated by the numerous examples available through Ludwig, this phrase is prevalent in both news and academic spheres. While grammatically sound and widely accepted, it is best employed when referencing distinct eras rather than short, imprecise durations. Ludwig AI confirms that it can be used to refer to a period of time. Related phrases, such as "during the era of" or "in the age of", offer alternative ways to frame events historically. By understanding its proper use, writers can effectively employ "in the time of" to add depth and clarity to their narratives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

during the era of

This alternative emphasizes a specific period or epoch, similar to "in the time of" but with a slightly more formal tone.

in the age of

This phrase suggests a broader cultural or historical period, focusing on prevailing trends and characteristics.

in the period of

This alternative is more formal and indicates a specific duration or segment of time.

during the reign of

This is usually used to indicate events that happened when a monarch ruled, thus being more specific.

while X was happening

This alternative is a more conversational way to indicate events that happened contemporaneously.

when X was around

This is a very informal alternative.

back in the day of

This option brings a sense of nostalgia, alluding to an unspecified but fondly remembered past.

during X's lifetime

This phrase anchors the timeframe to the lifespan of a particular individual, offering a biographical perspective.

in X's days

This alternative is less formal and used to talk about common things during a person's life.

in X's era

This phrase has a stronger connotation of a defined and known period of time.

FAQs

How can I use "in the time of" in a sentence?

Use "in the time of" to set a historical context or to refer to a specific era, as in, "In the time of the dinosaurs, the Earth looked very different".

What phrases are similar to "in the time of"?

Similar phrases include "during the era of", "in the age of", or "during the reign of". These options offer alternative ways to situate events within a specific period.

Is it correct to say "during the time of" instead of "in the time of"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "in the time of" is more common and often preferred for historical or cultural contexts. "During the time of" may sound slightly less formal, although context is what will determine it.

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

"In the time of" refers to a broader historical period or era, while "at the time of" pinpoints a specific moment or event. For example, "in the time of the Romans" refers to a historical era, whereas "at the time of the fire" refers to a particular event.