the era when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the era when" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a particular period of time in history. For example, "the era when the Roman Empire flourished was an age of innovation and discovery."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The era when we were skinny?" Jonathan said.

The New York Times

This was the era when Arsenal reigned supreme.

The Guardian - Sport

This was the era when Martin Amis ruled.

The Guardian - Arts

Graham's polite scratchings recall the era when graffiti first emerged in Manhattan.

The New Yorker

(Tesla Motors) Most Americans remember well the era when Japanese automakers ruled the subcompact class.

The New York Times

The era when Nigeria's rulers could take the people for granted is no more.

The Guardian - Opinion

The ministry is indeed a fief, a holdover from the era when the state controlled all.

The New York Times

Dow's Freeport facilities date from the era when nature was something to be openly played with.

The New Yorker

That speaks to the relative mediocrity of starters in the era when Morris shone.

The New York Times - Sports

It was the era when they called his kind swivel-hipped, one of the ultimate compliments.

The Washington Post

But was this so surprising, considering the era when he started out?

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the era when" to introduce a specific period characterized by a distinct set of conditions, events, or attributes. It effectively sets the stage for describing historical, cultural, or technological contexts.

Common error

Don't dilute the impact of "the era when" by using overly broad or vague descriptors for the period. Provide specific and compelling details that define the time frame you're referencing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the era when" functions as a temporal specifier, introducing a relative clause that defines a particular period. As Ludwig AI explains, it’s used to describe a specific time in history. Examples show its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

10%

Science

7%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the era when" is a versatile phrase used to introduce a specific period characterized by distinct attributes or events. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various sources, particularly in news and media. To ensure clarity and impact, provide specific details about the time frame you're referencing, and consider alternative phrases like "the period in which" or "the time when" depending on the desired formality. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "the era when" to enhance the context and depth of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the period in which

Replaces "era" with "period" and uses "in which" instead of "when", maintaining a formal tone.

the age during which

Substitutes "era" with "age" and "when" with "during which", emphasizing a longer time span.

the time when

Uses the more generic term "time" instead of "era", simplifying the phrase.

during the time that

Emphasizes the duration using "during the time that" instead of "the era when".

in the days when

Offers a more informal and nostalgic alternative to "the era when".

back when

Provides a concise and informal way to refer to a past time.

the historical moment when

Highlights the historical significance of the period.

the epoch that

Replaces "era" with "epoch", indicating a significant period in history, using "that" instead of "when".

a bygone era characterized by

Focuses on describing the characteristics of a past time.

the former times when

Uses "former times" to express a past era, adding a slightly archaic feel.

FAQs

How can I use "the era when" in a sentence?

Use "the era when" to introduce a clause that describes a specific period, for example, "the era when jazz flourished" or "the era when computers were enormous".

What are some alternatives to "the era when"?

Alternatives include "the period in which", "the age during which", or simply "the time when", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it correct to say "in the era when" instead of "the era when"?

While "the era when" is more common, "in the era when" can be used to add emphasis or specify location or condition within the era. However, ensure it fits the sentence structure and sounds natural.

How does "the era when" differ from "the period when"?

"The era when" often suggests a longer, more culturally defined span of time, whereas "the period when" can refer to any defined length of time, whether short or long.