this is a time of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this is a time of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce a discussion about a specific period characterized by certain events, emotions, or themes. Example: "This is a time of great change and uncertainty in our society."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

This is a time of shamelessness.

The New York Times

"This is a time of reconciliation".

The New York Times

"This is a time of great uncertainty".

The New York Times - Science

This is a time of high drama.

The New York Times

"This is a time of shame".

The New York Times

"This is a time of somber seriousness".

The New York Times

"This is a time of joy".

The Guardian

"This is a time of wrenching change and chaos.

The New York Times

This is a time of grief for our family.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"This is a time of catharsis," Mr. Bucio said.

The New York Times

"This is a time of choice for the republican movement.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this is a time of" to set the stage for discussing significant trends, changes, or events. Ensure the following description clarifies the nature of the period being referenced.

Common error

Avoid using overly vague descriptions after "this is a time of". Provide specific details to make the statement meaningful and impactful. For example, instead of saying "this is a time of change", specify "this is a time of rapid technological change".

Linguistic Context

"This is a time of" functions as a sentence opener or introducer, setting the context for a description of a specific period. It essentially acts as a subject complement, equating 'this' with a particular kind of time. Ludwig examples showcase its use in various contexts, from personal grief to national crisis.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

1%

Less common in

Wiki

0.5%

Encyclopedias

0.25%

Social Media

0.25%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this is a time of" is a versatile phrase used to introduce and characterize a specific period. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used, particularly in News & Media. While its register is generally neutral, the specific context and vocabulary determine the overall tone. Consider alternative phrases like "this is an era of" or "this marks a period of" to add nuance to your writing. Be mindful of overgeneralizing the description following the phrase. Overall, "this is a time of" is a reliable tool for framing discussions about significant trends and events.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this is an era of

Replaces 'time' with 'era', emphasizing a longer, more significant period.

this is a season of

Substitutes 'time' with 'season', suggesting a specific period with distinct characteristics.

this marks a period of

Uses 'marks' to highlight the beginning of a defined period with certain attributes.

we are experiencing an age of

Employs 'age' to denote a broad historical period with notable traits.

this represents a phase of

Replaces 'time' with 'phase', indicating a stage within a larger process or development.

this signifies a moment of

Emphasizes a specific point in time with particular significance.

we find ourselves in an epoch of

Uses 'epoch' to suggest a distinct and remarkable period in history.

this is an interval of

Replaces 'time' with 'interval', suggesting a space between events.

this constitutes an occasion for

Shifts the focus to a particular event or opportunity.

the present is a period of

Highlights the current moment as a specific duration.

FAQs

How can I use "this is a time of" in a sentence?

You can use "this is a time of" to introduce a description of a particular period, emphasizing its key characteristics or events. For instance, "This is a time of great innovation in the tech industry" or "This is a time of reflection for many people".

What are some alternatives to "this is a time of"?

Alternatives include phrases like "this is an era of", "this marks a period of", or "we are experiencing an age of". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. Review the "'this is an era of'" example to see the subtle change in meaning that it creates.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "this is a time of"?

Yes, it's grammatically correct. The phrase "this is a time of" functions as a subject complement, introducing a description or characteristic of a particular period or moment.

What's the difference between "this is a time of" and "these are times of"?

"This is a time of" refers to a single, specific period, while "these are times of" implies multiple, possibly recurring, periods or a more general sense of the current era. For instance, "This is a time of unprecedented opportunity" focuses on the present, whereas "These are times of economic uncertainty" speaks more broadly to the current economic climate.