the period when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the period when" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to refer to a specified point in time in the past. For example, "The period when I was in school was a highly formative experience in my life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Up to the period when Dietrichsen v. Cabburn (2 Phil.

Harvard University

The period when he began to translate John Donne.

Stanford University

They date back to the period when N.Y.

The New Yorker

"That's the period when Meissen was it," Mr. Arnhold said.

The New York Times - Arts

Could this be the period when Sweden almost score?

The Guardian - Sport

"Adolescence is the period when almost all addictions begin.

Independent

How had the environment changed from the period when the technology was being developed to the period when the technology was manifesting its usages?

The New York Times

with them occurred during the period when Grossadmiral Doenitz was Commander-in-Chief of the Navy.

Yale University

The years listed for each project represent the period when I was involved.

Stanford University

1. Use in headings and in indicating the period when a manuscript was probably written.

Yale University

And it was also the period when Mahathir had come to power, in 1981.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the period when", ensure the context clearly defines the specific time frame you are referencing to avoid ambiguity. Be as specific as possible to provide clarity for your reader.

Common error

Avoid using "the period when" without a clear reference point. Ensure the surrounding text provides sufficient context for the reader to understand which time frame you're discussing. For instance, instead of saying, "That was the period when things changed", specify which period you are referring to: "That was the period when the company restructured, and things changed significantly."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the period when" functions as a relative clause introducer, specifying a particular time frame within a sentence. It modifies a noun by providing additional information about a period.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

7%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the period when" functions as a relative clause introducer, establishing a temporal context in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and suitable for diverse writing styles, from news and media to academia and science. Although very common, clarity is key; ensure the context explicitly defines the time frame. Alternatives such as "the time when" or "during which" can be used depending on the desired tone and emphasis. When writing, avoid vague time references and instead, offer precise details to avoid any potential ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the time when

Replaces "period" with the more general term "time", maintaining the same temporal reference.

during the time that

Adds "during" for emphasis on the concurrent nature of events.

the era when

Substitutes "period" with "era", suggesting a longer and possibly more significant duration.

throughout the duration that

Emphasizes the length of the period, making it more explicit.

the phase when

Replaces "period" with "phase", implying a stage or part of a process.

the span when

Replaces "period" with "span", referring to a specific interval of time.

the stage at which

Uses "stage at which" to convey a specific point in a sequence or development, rather than a continuous period.

in the days when

Evokes a sense of nostalgia or a time long past.

the moment that

Focuses on a precise instant rather than a duration, altering the temporal scope.

the juncture when

Uses "juncture" to highlight a critical or important point in time.

FAQs

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

Use "the period when" to introduce a clause that specifies a particular time frame. For example: "The 1920s were "the period when" jazz music became widely popular."

What are some alternatives to "the period when"?

You can use alternatives such as "the time when", "during the time that", or "the era when", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to use "the period when" or "during which"?

"The period when" is generally more informal and direct, while "during which" sounds more formal and is often used in academic or legal writing. The choice depends on the tone and context of your writing.

What is the difference between "the period when" and "the moment when"?

"The period when" refers to a span of time, while "the moment when" refers to a specific point in time. For example: "The 1960s were "the period when" the Beatles rose to fame," versus "I remember the moment when I first heard their music."