it was during

USAGE SUMMARY

"it was during" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to introduce a phrase which defines a time period. For example, "It was during the summer that I decided to take a break from work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(It was during Prohibition).

The New York Times

"It was during those..

The New York Times - Books

"It was during lunch.

The New Yorker

Bronya: It was during Hurricane Agnes.

The New York Times

It was during an intense snowstorm.

The New York Times - Sports

It was during the Depression.

The New York Times

"But it was during vacation.

The New York Times

It was during certain stretches.

The New York Times - Sports

"It was during the meal.

The Guardian

OBERHAUSER: I assume it was during September.

Yale University

It was during the same conversation.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was during" to clearly establish the temporal context of an event, helping readers understand when something occurred in relation to another event or period.

Common error

Avoid using "it was during" with future tense verbs. This phrase is best suited for describing events that have already occurred. Instead, use "it will be during" or rephrase to maintain correct tense consistency.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was during" functions as a temporal marker, specifically situating an event or action within a particular time frame or circumstance. As noted by Ludwig AI, this construction is grammatically correct and commonly used in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Academia

17%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was during" serves as a crucial temporal marker, efficiently pinpointing the time frame of events across various contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and extremely common, particularly in news and media, academic writing, and formal communication. To ensure clarity and accuracy, remember to use "it was during" with past tense verbs and avoid any ambiguity by clearly defining the period to which you are referring. Alternatives such as "at that time" or "during that period" can provide similar context but may subtly shift the emphasis. This phrase’s prevalence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its reliability and versatility in expressing temporal relationships.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

during that period

Emphasizes a specific span of time.

that was when

Simplifies the expression, focusing on a specific moment.

at that time

Offers a more concise way to indicate a specific point in time.

it happened while

Focuses on simultaneity rather than specifying a period.

while that was happening

Highlights concurrency and the unfolding of events.

it occurred amidst

Highlights the surrounding circumstances or conditions.

in those moments

Focuses on a particular instance or brief period within a larger timeframe.

throughout that era

Highlights events happening across an extended timeframe.

it took place throughout

Emphasizes the duration of the concurrent period or event.

it transpired in the course of

Implies a natural progression or unfolding of events.

FAQs

How can I use "it was during" in a sentence?

Use "it was during" to specify when an event occurred in relation to another event or a period of time. For example, "It was during the summer that I learned to swim".

What are some alternatives to "it was during"?

Alternatives include phrases like "at that time", "while that was happening", or "during that period" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between saying "it was during" and "during"?

Yes, "it was during" emphasizes a specific instance or period within a larger timeframe, while "during" simply indicates that something occurred within a particular time.

Can "it was during" be used for future events?

No, "it was during" is typically used to refer to past events. For future events, consider using phrases like "it will be during" or rephrasing the sentence to maintain correct tense.