this time round

USAGE SUMMARY

'this time round' is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
It is often used when referring to something that is happening again, especially if it is happening differently from before. For example: "We've tried a few different strategies in the past, but this time round we are going to focus on better customer service."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This time round it's a lot more realistic.

Independent

But this time round?

The Guardian - Opinion

This time round, France must be outvoted.

The Economist

The situation is different this time round.

The Economist

That has not happened this time round.

The Economist

This time round, I don't.

The Guardian - Sport

Survival isn't the issue this time round.

The New York Times

And what's happened again this time round?

The Guardian

This time round it is completely different.

The Guardian - Sport

This time round it is very different.

The Guardian - Business

This time round there's even pyrotechnics.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "this time round", ensure the context clearly establishes what you are comparing it to. This avoids ambiguity and ensures the reader understands the intended contrast.

Common error

Avoid using "this time round" without a clear prior context. If the reader is unaware of the previous situation or attempt, the phrase loses its meaning and can confuse your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this time round" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate a temporal context. It specifies that the action or situation being described is occurring in the present, in contrast to a previous instance. Ludwig examples show its use in contrasting current strategies with past ones.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this time round" is a grammatically sound and very common adverbial phrase used to contrast a current situation with a previous one. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and provides numerous examples from reliable sources, primarily in news and media. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to informal contexts. For more formal writing, consider alternatives such as "on this occasion" or "in this instance". Remember to ensure clear context when using the phrase to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

This time around

A very close synonym, differing only in the use of 'around' instead of 'round'.

This time

A more concise alternative, emphasizing the present occurrence in relation to previous ones.

On this occasion

Emphasizes the specific instance being referred to, similar to "this time round" but more formal.

In this instance

Highlights a particular case or event, akin to "this time round" but more focused on the situation.

This moment

Emphasizes the present instant, similar to "this time round" but with a stronger sense of immediacy.

In the current situation

Focuses on the present circumstances, similar to "this time round" but less idiomatic.

This juncture

Refers to a specific point in time, akin to "this time round" but more formal and emphasizing the importance of the moment.

Presently

Indicates the current moment or situation, similar to "this time round" but more formal.

Currently

Highlights the ongoing nature of the situation, similar to "this time round" in its temporal reference.

Now

A shorter, more direct way of indicating the present moment, often used in contrast to the past.

FAQs

How can I use "this time round" in a sentence?

You can use "this time round" to contrast a current situation with a previous one. For example, "Last year we failed to meet our sales targets, but "this time round" we are better prepared".

What's a similar phrase to "this time round"?

Alternatives include "this time around", "on this occasion", or simply "this time", depending on the context.

Is "this time round" formal or informal?

"This time round" is generally considered informal. For more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "in this instance" or "on this occasion".

Can "this time round" be used in academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "this time round" might be too informal for academic writing. Opt for more formal alternatives like "in the present study" or "in this iteration".