the time of which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the time of which" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific time period or moment that has been previously mentioned or is understood in context. Example: "The event took place during the summer, the time of which was marked by numerous festivals and celebrations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

The heist took £2.6 million in used banknotes– a huge sum at the time – of which Biggs received a cut of around £148,000.

Independent

Many assessments place these Indian cities' output at least on a par with leading European centres of the time – of which Antwerp and Amsterdam stand out as the two foremost world cities in continental Europe during this wave of globalisation.

The Guardian

But some members of the close-knit entourage are still around, such as Kathy Etchingham and Keith Altham, wearing a flaming orange jacket befitting the time of which he agrees to speak, in defiance of a heart attack only a few days before.

The Guardian - Music

Louise Glück's new volume of poetry, "Faithful and Virtuous Night," lifts its title from a book that belongs to one of its characters: At the time of which I'm speaking, my brother was reading a book he called the faithful and virtuous night.

The New Yorker

"Who would buy a plane made in Japan?" Mr. Tojo passed away last year at the age of 98. Burned by the YS-11 flop, Japan shifted its aviation strategy to supplying, and learning from, the largest aircraft makers of the time, of which the largest was Boeing.

The New York Times

Gasp gained worldwide attention last year with the release of "Lagoons", around the time of which Gasp spoke to us about the New Zealand dance climate and served up an exclusive mix, scope out the interview and mix here.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

It's a reflection of the community, why people come here, and of the times of which we live".

The New York Times

This book arose out of the serialisation (and revelation) of Birthday Letters in the Times, of which I was then literary editor.

The Guardian - Opinion

He took shots wherever they were deserved, including at us, famously, in Page One, the 2011 documentary about the Times of which he was the star.

Vice

And the Congress of the United States has selected the time of choosing, which was Nov. 7.

The New York Times

By the time of Ratatouille, which celebrated culinary sophistication and artistry, the relationship was untenable.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the time of which", ensure the context clearly establishes the time period you are referencing. This helps avoid ambiguity and ensures your writing is precise.

Common error

Avoid using "the time of which" in simple sentences where a direct temporal adverb (e.g., "then", "when") would be more concise and natural. Overuse can make your writing sound unnecessarily formal or convoluted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the time of which" functions as a relative clause, modifying a noun phrase that refers to a specific point or period in time. Ludwig's examples show it connecting events to a previously mentioned timeframe.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the time of which" is a grammatically correct phrase used to provide additional context about a specific time period. While Ludwig AI confirms its validity, it's more common in formal writing, particularly in news, science, and wiki contexts. For less formal situations, consider simpler alternatives like "when" or "during". Be mindful of overuse to maintain clarity and avoid sounding stilted. Remember to clearly establish the referenced time period to prevent ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the point at which

Emphasizes the precise moment of transition or change, adding a sense of specificity.

the moment when

Focuses on a specific point in time rather than a duration, offering a more concise alternative.

the period when

Emphasizes a duration of time, providing a broader temporal scope compared to the original phrase.

during which time

Reverses the structure, placing emphasis on the duration and activity within that time.

when that occurred

Focuses on the event's occurrence and its subsequent time frame, shifting the emphasis slightly.

at that juncture

Implies a critical or decisive moment, adding a sense of importance not necessarily present in the original phrase.

at that moment in time

Adds extra emphasis to the moment being described, making it a more emphatic alternative.

the occasion when

Highlights a specific event or instance, narrowing the temporal reference.

the stage where

Implies the reference of a process or sequence of events.

in those days

Evokes a sense of nostalgia or a past era, differing in tone from the more neutral original phrase.

FAQs

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

Use "the time of which" to refer back to a specific time period previously mentioned, connecting it to a subsequent event or detail. For example: "The event took place during the summer, "the time of which" was marked by numerous festivals".

What phrases are similar to "the time of which"?

Alternatives include "the moment when", "the period when", or "during which time". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "the time of which" considered formal?

Yes, "the time of which" is relatively formal. In less formal contexts, using simpler constructions like "when" or "during" can be more appropriate.

When should I avoid using "the time of which"?

Avoid "the time of which" in very simple sentences where a more direct word like "then" or "at that time" would suffice. Using it excessively can make your writing seem stilted.