not at the time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not at the time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something was not the case during a specific period in the past. Example: "I didn't realize the importance of the project, not at the time, but I understand it now."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Certainly not at the time.

The Guardian - Opinion

Not at the time, at least.

The New Yorker

That crime did not, at the time, have a name.

The Guardian

Such stories are more often recounted in textbooks today; they were not at the time.

The New York Times

She had been afraid, of course, but not sorry, not at the time.

The New Yorker

Dictator Remains Management was not at the time a huge field; more of a boutique industry.

The New York Times

It also helped that it was not at the time put to a popular vote.

The New York Times

There's time enough to challenge it and poke holes, but not at the time of generation.

The New York Times

"It was a mistake to have the elections not at the time of the local elections".

The Guardian

I did not, at the time, recognise the irony of my predicament.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He did not at the time give much thought to the critical and public reaction.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not at the time" to clearly specify that a condition or understanding was absent during a particular period but may exist now. This helps avoid ambiguity in historical or retrospective accounts.

Common error

Avoid using "not at the time" when the temporal context is already clear from the surrounding sentences. Redundancy can make your writing seem less concise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not at the time" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by indicating when something was not the case. It specifies a temporal limitation, clarifying that a condition or state did not exist during a particular period. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

22%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not at the time" is a common and grammatically sound adverbial phrase used to specify that something was not the case during a particular period. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to provide temporal clarification, contrasting a past state with the present or a different point in time. It's versatile, fitting into neutral registers across various contexts like News & Media and Science. While numerous alternatives exist, like "not then" or "not back then", it's important to consider the specific temporal context to avoid redundancy and maintain clarity. Be mindful of whether you're referring to a specific moment or a broader period to select the most appropriate phrasing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not then

Replaces "at the time" with a single adverb, simplifying the phrase.

not at that moment

Focuses on a specific instant rather than a longer period.

not during that period

Replaces "at the time" with a longer phrase emphasizing the duration.

not as of then

A more formal alternative, indicating a specific point in time.

not in those days

Uses a more colloquial expression to refer to a past era.

not back then

A more informal alternative, emphasizing a contrast with the present.

not in that era

Emphasizes a longer historical period.

not at that juncture

A more formal and less common alternative.

not formerly

Implies a change from a previous state, focusing on the past.

not previously

Indicates something was not true before a specific moment.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "not at the time" to sound more formal?

You can use alternatives such as "not as of then" or "not previously" to achieve a more formal tone. Choose the option that best fits the specific context of your sentence.

What's a more casual way to say "not at the time"?

For a more casual tone, you could use phrases like "not then" or "not back then". These options are suitable for informal conversations or writing.

Is it ever incorrect to use "not at the time"?

While grammatically correct, using "not at the time" can be redundant if the temporal context is already clear. Ensure its use adds clarity and avoids unnecessary repetition.

How does "not at the time" differ from "not at that moment"?

"Not at the time" generally refers to a period, while "not at that moment" emphasizes a specific instant. The choice depends on whether you're referring to a duration or a precise point in time.