in times when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'in times when' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a specific time period in the past or present in which a particular situation occurs. For example: "In times when people had less access to fresh produce, it was much more common to preserve food."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"She was and is always there in times when there is doubt.

The New York Times - Sports

"Yet I think we live in times when people expect a few words and information.

The New York Times - Arts

Ms. Lynch is an American mobility story in times when they're getting harder to pull off.

The New York Times

I appreciate articles that bring people together, especially in times when they feel alone.

The New York Times

Composers thrived in their employ in times when public concerts barely existed.

The New York Times - Arts

We live in times when we are raping the Earth and exploiting the poor.

The Guardian - Opinion

In times when the dollar is strong, they often bury currency gains in their operating profits.

The New York Times

Indeed, overall questions remain about MSNBC's ability to sustain viewership in times when news is slow.

The New York Times

In times when I've been still as stone, music has nevertheless moved me.

The Guardian - Music

And, in times when people are reluctant to take risks, a little inflation can help grease the skids.

The New Yorker

"In times when money drives football, Rogério is the guy in whom money couldn't match the love".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in times when" to add context, specify circumstances, or create a sense of historical or situational perspective in your writing.

Common error

Avoid beginning too many sentences with "in times when". Vary your sentence structure by sometimes placing the phrase in the middle or end of the sentence for a more natural flow.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in times when" functions as an adverbial phrase introducing a dependent clause. It modifies the main clause, specifying the circumstances or temporal context under which the action or state described in the main clause occurs. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "in times when" is a versatile and commonly used phrase that functions as an adverbial clause to provide temporal and conditional context to a main clause. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely accepted. While its register is generally neutral, its suitability for various writing styles relies on its surrounding content. With primary occurrences in news, media, and scientific sources, "in times when" serves to contextualize situations and draw comparisons between time periods, enriching the reader's understanding by setting the scene or explaining influencing factors. Remember to avoid overuse and consider variations for a more dynamic writing style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

during periods when

Focuses on specific durations with a similar conditional aspect.

at moments when

Emphasizes particular points in time when something occurs.

in instances where

Similar to "in situations where" but potentially more specific.

in situations where

Shifts focus to the circumstances rather than just the timing.

under circumstances when

Highlights the conditions affecting an event.

on occasions when

Suggests that the event happens sporadically or intermittently.

when circumstances dictate

Implies that external conditions determine the action.

as situations arise

Describes a reactive approach to unfolding conditions.

while events transpire

Focuses on the unfolding of events over a period.

during epochs of

Refers to extended historical or developmental periods.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "in times when" to sound more formal?

To sound more formal, consider using alternatives such as "during periods when" or "under circumstances when". These options add a layer of sophistication suitable for academic or professional writing.

What are some simple alternatives to "in times when"?

For simpler alternatives, you can use phrases like "when", "during", or "as", depending on the context. For example, "as jobs are scarce".

Is "in times when" suitable for academic writing?

Yes, "in times when" is generally suitable for academic writing, particularly when you need to specify the conditions or circumstances under which something occurs. However, ensure the tone and vocabulary align with the specific requirements of your field.

How does "in times when" differ from "at a time when"?

"In times when" suggests a broader period or era, while "at a time when" often refers to a specific moment or point in time. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize a general period or a particular instance.