it was a time of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'it was a time of' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a period of time in the past, for example: "It was a time of political unrest, as the country had just emerged from a civil war."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was a time of innocence.

Independent

It was a time of high drama.

The Guardian

It was a time of constant loss.

The New York Times

It was a time of strained relations.

The New York Times

It was a time of compassionate conservatism.

The New York Times

It was a time of grievous loss.

The New Yorker

It was a time of incredible optimism.

Harvard Business Review

It was a time of jitters.

The New York Times - Books

It was a time of creative dread.

The Guardian - Film

IT was a time of pennies.

The New York Times - Books

It was a time of doctrinal ferment.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was a time of", ensure that the noun following 'of' clearly describes the dominant characteristic or feeling of that period. For example, "it was a time of great innovation" is more effective than "it was a time of things happening."

Common error

Avoid using "it was a time of" with overly broad or vague nouns. Instead of saying "it was a time of stuff", specify concrete aspects like "it was a time of rapid technological advancement" to provide clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

It was a time of functions as an introductory phrase to describe or characterize a specific period in the past. It sets the stage for providing context and detailing the dominant characteristics, feelings, or events associated with that era. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

It was a time of" is a versatile phrase used to introduce and characterize a period in the past. It effectively sets the stage for detailing the dominant traits, emotions, or occurrences associated with that era. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and can be used in your written English. Predominantly found in News & Media and Academic writing, this phrase serves to provide historical context and frame narratives effectively. When using this phrase, be specific about the noun that follows, to ensure your writing is clear and impactful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it marked an era of

Focuses on defining a specific period with distinct characteristics.

it signified a period of

Emphasizes the importance or meaning attached to a particular duration.

that era was defined by

Highlights the defining characteristics that shaped a specific time.

the age was characterized by

Uses "age" to denote a longer historical period with unique traits.

it represented an epoch of

Emphasizes a significant and distinctive period in history.

the years were filled with

Highlights the experiences and events that occurred during a certain time frame.

that period witnessed

Focuses on the significant events or developments that occurred during that time.

it occurred during an age of

Positions an event within a broader historical context.

it unfolded in a climate of

Describes the prevailing conditions or environment in which events took place.

the climate at the time was

Highlights the atmospheric or prevailing sentiment during a specific period.

FAQs

How can I use "it was a time of" in a sentence?

Use "it was a time of" to introduce a description of a specific period, focusing on its defining characteristic or prevailing sentiment. For instance, "It was a time of great uncertainty" or "It was a time of significant social change".

What are some alternatives to "it was a time of"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it marked an era of", "that era was defined by", or "the age was characterized by", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "it was a time of" and "it was a period of"?

While similar, "it was a time of" often carries a stronger emotional or experiential connotation, while "it was a period of" can be more neutral and factual. The best choice depends on the context and the specific emphasis you want to create.

Can "it was a time of" be used to describe future events?

No, "it was a time of" is used exclusively to refer to past periods. To discuss future events, use phrases like "it will be a time of" or "it is going to be a time of".