in their time

USAGE SUMMARY

"in their time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to talk about a particular period in history, especially when comparing it to the present day. For example, "In their time, people believed that the world was flat."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"They put in their time.

The Guardian

They were a wonderful pair in their time.

The New York Times - Sports

Maybe they were under-appreciated in their time.

The Guardian - Arts

But most major artists were also popular in their time.

The New Yorker

We were so lucky to live in their time".

The New Yorker

Berlioz and Sibelius were both mavericks in their time.

The New York Times - Arts

May they be comforted in their time of grief.

The New York Times

In their time apart, both settled on hard times.

The New York Times - Sports

They came to him in their time of need.

The New York Times

Each topped the ratings in their time slots.

The Economist

Many turned to him in their time of need.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in their time" to provide historical context or to highlight the differences between past and present conditions or beliefs. For example, "In their time, such technology was unimaginable."

Common error

Avoid using "in their time" when you actually mean a specific event or duration within their lives. For broader periods, it works well; for precise events, use more specific phrasing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in their time" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause, providing temporal context. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. It indicates when something occurred or was relevant relative to a particular group or individual.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "in their time" is a grammatically correct and frequently used prepositional phrase that serves to provide temporal context. As Ludwig AI indicates, it’s suitable for various situations, particularly when discussing historical events or comparing past conditions with the present. While versatile, it’s important to consider its specific connotations. The main contexts are News & Media and Academia. Remember to be mindful of the scope and ensure it appropriately reflects the intended period. This will ensure clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

during their era

Focuses on a specific era or period when they were prominent.

in their day

Emphasizes a past period, often contrasting it with the present.

back in their time

Adds a sense of nostalgia or distance from the present.

when they were around

Highlights the period of their existence or activity.

in their generation

Refers to the specific generation to which they belonged.

during their prime

Emphasizes the peak or most successful period of their lives or careers.

in their heyday

Refers to the period of their greatest popularity or influence.

at that time for them

Indicates a specific moment or period relevant to them.

in those days for them

Highlights a past period, often with a sense of difference from the present.

when they lived

Focuses on the period of their lives.

FAQs

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

Use "in their time" to refer to the period when someone lived or when something was prevalent. For example, "In their time, people travelled by horse and carriage."

What's a good alternative to "in their time"?

Alternatives include "during their era", "in their day", or "back in their time", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "in their time" formal or informal?

"In their time" is generally neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it's more common in historical or reflective writing.

How does "in their time" compare to "in their lifetime"?

"In their time" refers to a broader period or era associated with them, while "in their lifetime" refers specifically to the duration of their life. For example, something could be popular "in their time" even if it happened after their death, but not ""in their lifetime"".