their times

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "their times" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the specific periods or moments associated with a particular group of people or individuals. Example: "In their times, the artists revolutionized the way we perceive modern art."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"They don't care about their times," he said.

The New York Times - Health

Great writers transcend their times, but second-rate writers are mired by theirs.

The New Yorker

"Their times and life experiences are different.

The New York Times

Will you try to beat their times?

The New York Times

Perhaps their times will come again.

The Economist

All films speak to their times.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Presidents reflect their times.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Their times are not important.

The New York Times - Sports

They're also equally stubborn products of their times.

The New York Times - Books

Her heroines often fought the sexist mores of their times.

The New York Times - Arts

Tells about their times together: chatting drinking soda, playing tennis.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "their times", consider the specific historical, social, or cultural context you want to emphasize. This will help you choose the most appropriate phrasing and ensure your message is clear and impactful.

Common error

Avoid using "their times" when referring to a singular entity or concept. "Its time" should be used instead when referring to a singular noun. For example, it's incorrect to say, "The company reflected their times." The correct phrasing is, "The company reflected its time."

Linguistic Context

"Their times" functions as a noun phrase indicating a specific historical period, era, or the prevailing social and cultural conditions experienced by a group. As shown by Ludwig, the phrase describes the context in which people lived or events occurred. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Encyclopedias

13%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "their times" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote the historical, social, and cultural context experienced by a group of people. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and the examples demonstrate its broad applicability across diverse sources such as news, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. When using "their times", ensure it accurately reflects the specific era or period you aim to convey and avoid confusing it with singular possessive forms like "its time". Keep in mind also that alternative phrasing, such as "the era they lived in", may sometimes provide a better contextual fit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the era they lived in

Focuses on the specific period in which someone lived, emphasizing historical context.

the period of their lives

Highlights a portion of someone's life, particularly when referring to memories or significant events.

the age in which they existed

Emphasizes the historical context and the prevailing conditions.

the climate of their generation

Refers to the social, cultural, and political environment prevalent when they were active.

the historical backdrop they faced

Stresses the historical context and any challenges or influences that arose from it.

their contemporary world

Highlights the world in which they currently live, focusing on events or situations they witness directly.

the circumstances surrounding them

Focuses on the immediate conditions and factors influencing someone's experience.

the prevailing culture of their day

Highlights how the cultural values and norms of the period influenced them.

the spirit of their age

Emphasizes the defining characteristics and trends of a particular time.

the context of their existence

Focuses on broader factors affecting their experiences.

FAQs

How can I use "their times" in a sentence?

You can use "their times" to refer to the historical period, social environment, or cultural context in which a group of people lived or existed. For instance, "The challenges they faced were characteristic of "their times"".

What is a good alternative to using "their times"?

Depending on the context, you might consider alternatives such as "the era they lived in", "the period of their lives", or "the age in which they existed".

Is it correct to say "in their time" instead of "in their times"?

While both phrases are grammatically correct, they have slightly different meanings. "In their time" typically refers to a specific moment or period within their lifespan, whereas "in their times" refers to the broader historical or cultural context of "their times".

How does the meaning of "their times" differ from "our times"?

"Their times" refers to a past era or period experienced by others, while "our times" refers to the present era or the period experienced by the speaker and their contemporaries. The distinction lies in the timeframe and the group being referenced.