the time of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the time of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific period of time, such as a day, month, year, or era. For example, "During the time of the Great Depression, poverty affected millions of people."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was the time of broken windows.

The New Yorker

I had the time of my life.

The New York Times

Having the time of our lives.

The New Yorker

A feast in the time of plague.

The New Yorker

Perhaps it's the time of year.

The New York Times

By the time of Justin Martyr (c.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Shadows can indicate the time of day.

The Economist

"It was the time of the microwave.

Independent

Fall is the time of bee warfare.

The New York Times

Neither does the time of year.

The New York Times

And this is the time of discernment.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the time of", ensure the context clearly defines the period you are referencing. Providing specific dates or events helps avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Don't use "the time of" without a clear reference. Instead of saying "at the time of the incident", specify the incident or date to ensure clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the time of" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun. It specifies a period, moment, or event associated with the noun it modifies, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Academia

28%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Science

12%

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the time of" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase used to specify a period or moment. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is accurate and widely used across diverse sources, including news, academic writing, and general contexts. While versatile, clarity is essential; vague references should be avoided by clearly defining the temporal context. Alternatives such as "during the era of" or "at the point of" can offer nuanced variations. Therefore, using "the time of" effectively requires careful consideration of the surrounding context to ensure precision and avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

during the era of

Replaces "time" with "era", emphasizing a longer historical period.

in the period of

Substitutes "time" with "period", focusing on a defined duration.

at the point of

Focuses on a specific moment instead of a duration.

in the days of

Implies a past era or historical period.

throughout the duration of

Emphasizes the length of the specified period.

while in the midst of

Highlights being actively involved or experiencing something.

in the course of

Suggests something happening during an ongoing process or event.

on the occasion of

Refers to a specific event or circumstance.

at the juncture of

Highlights a crucial or decisive point in time.

when it came to

Introduces a specific moment or situation under consideration.

FAQs

How can I use "the time of" in a sentence?

You can use "the time of" to refer to a specific period or moment, such as "The city flourished during "the time of the Renaissance"" or "What is "the time of the meeting"?"

What are some alternatives to "the time of"?

Alternatives include "during the era of", "in the period of", or "at the point of", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use "the time of"?

While grammatically correct, using "the time of" can be vague if the context isn't clear. Always ensure the period or moment being referenced is well-defined.

What's the difference between "the time of" and "during"?

"The time of" often refers to a specific moment or era, while "during" indicates something happening throughout a period. For example, "the time of the flood" implies a specific event, whereas "during the flood" refers to the entire period the flood lasted.