is set during

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is set during" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the time period in which a story, event, or situation takes place. Example: "The novel is set during the Great Depression, highlighting the struggles of its characters."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(It is set during the Blitz).

The New Yorker

The strongest section is set during Japan's occupation of Manchuria.

The New York Times - Books

The book is set during the American civil war.

The Guardian - Books

"Kippur" (2000) is set during the 1973 Yom Kippur War.

The New York Times

The climax of the novel is set during the blackout.

The New Yorker

It is set during the turbulent premiership of Asquith's father.

The Guardian - Film

And this episode is set during the Tet Offensive.

The New York Times

The story is set during the second world war on a segregated army base in America.

The Guardian

It is set during the Nepalese civil war of 1996-2006.

The Guardian - Film

Much of "The Three-Body Problem" is set during the Cultural Revolution.

The New Yorker

Tahmima Anam's first novel is set during Bangladesh's 1971 war for independence from Pakistan.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "is set during", ensure the time period you are referencing is clearly defined and relevant to the context of your writing. Providing specific dates or historical events can enhance clarity and understanding for your audience.

Common error

Avoid using broad or ambiguous timeframes like "the past" or "ancient times" without further context. Be as precise as possible when specifying when the events you are describing take place to prevent confusion and maintain accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is set during" functions as a predicate in a sentence, specifying the temporal setting of a story, event, or situation. It indicates the time period in which the narrative unfolds. According to Ludwig, this usage is grammatically correct and widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

16%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is set during" serves to establish the temporal setting of a narrative or event, providing crucial context for understanding the story. Grammatically sound and widely accepted, as per Ludwig, it is most commonly found in news and media but extends to scientific and encyclopedic contexts. While generally neutral in register, precision in specifying the timeframe is key to avoid ambiguity. Related phrases like "takes place in" offer similar functionality, but with slightly altered emphasis. Ensuring a clear temporal reference is vital for effective communication. Ludwig’s analysis confirms the phrase's grammatical correctness and prevalent use across various domains, highlighting its importance in conveying when events occur.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

takes place in

Changes the phrasing to a more active voice, focusing on the location where the story unfolds rather than the time.

happens during

Simplifies the expression, making it more direct and accessible.

unfolds during

Implies a gradual revelation or progression of events within a specific period.

plays out during

Conveys a sense of drama and action unfolding over a specific time.

occurs within the timeframe of

Adds a layer of formality and precision, suitable for academic or technical contexts.

is based in the era of

Highlights the historical or cultural backdrop against which the story is placed.

is situated in

Focuses on the environment and circumstances of the specific time.

is staged in

Suggests a deliberate or theatrical setting within a particular time.

transpires in the period of

Introduces a formal and slightly archaic tone, suitable for historical narratives.

is contemporaneous with

Emphasizes that the events happened at the same time as another period or event.

FAQs

How can I use "is set during" in a sentence?

The phrase "is set during" is used to specify the time period in which a story, event, or situation occurs. For example, "The novel "is set during" World War II" indicates that the events of the novel take place during that historical period.

What are some alternatives to "is set during"?

Alternatives include "takes place in", "occurs within the timeframe of", or "unfolds during". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "is set during"?

Yes, the phrase "is set during" is grammatically correct and widely used in English to indicate the time period of a narrative or event.

What's the difference between "is set during" and "takes place in"?

While both phrases indicate when something happens, ""is set during"" emphasizes the historical or temporal context, whereas ""takes place in"" may focus more on the location or setting, although they are often interchangeable.