in those days

USAGE SUMMARY

"in those days" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a specific period of time in the past. For example: "In those days, cars were not very common."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In those days, it was.

The New York Times

You didn't in those days.

Independent

No cars in those days, man.

The New Yorker

In those days, Palestine was predominantly Arab.

The New Yorker

In those days, we had illusions".

The New Yorker

They were totally unorganized in those days.

The New York Times - Arts

Hollywood was like that in those days.

Independent

"In those days I was handsome.

The New York Times

There were deer everywhere in those days".

The New York Times - Books

People looked after things in those days.

The New Yorker

Decisions were shorter in those days.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone of your writing. "In those days" can evoke a sense of nostalgia or historical distance, so use it appropriately for the intended effect.

Common error

Don't assume your audience shares your understanding of "those days". Provide enough context so readers from different backgrounds can easily grasp the timeframe you're discussing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in those days" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause. According to Ludwig AI, the expression is correct and usable in written English. Examples from Ludwig show it is used to specify when a particular situation or event occurred in the past.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

18%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

12%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "in those days" is a versatile phrase used to denote a specific period in the past. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and frequently employed across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and academic writing. To enhance clarity, always provide sufficient context when using the phrase and consider the tone of your writing. Alternatives such as "back then" or "in that era" may be more appropriate depending on the desired level of formality. Be sure not to assume your audience has the same understanding of the timeframe you are referencing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

back then

This alternative is more concise and informal.

at that time

This alternative focuses on a specific moment or period in the past.

in that era

This alternative is slightly more formal and emphasizes a specific period in history.

during that period

This alternative emphasizes a defined duration in the past.

in those years

This alternative specifically refers to a period of several years in the past.

in former times

This alternative is more archaic and literary.

in earlier times

This alternative is similar to "in the past" but emphasizes a time relatively further back.

in previous times

This alternative is slightly more formal than "in earlier times."

in the past

This alternative is a general term for any time before the present.

in bygone days

This alternative evokes a sense of nostalgia and a more distant past.

FAQs

How can I use "in those days" in a sentence?

You can use "in those days" to refer to a specific period in the past. For example, "In those days cars were less common than they are today".

What's a more formal alternative to "in those days"?

A more formal alternative is "in that era", which emphasizes a specific period in history with a slightly more elevated tone.

Is there a difference between "in those days" and "back then"?

While both refer to the past, "back then" is generally more informal and concise, whereas "in those days" can carry a slightly more nostalgic or historical weight.

What are some other phrases similar to "in those days"?

Other similar phrases include "in former times", "in the past", and "in bygone days", each carrying subtle differences in tone and context.