those times

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "those times" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to a specific period in the past. For example: "My grandfather used to tell me stories about those times when he was a child."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Back in those times.

The New Yorker

But those times passed.

The New Yorker

Those times are over.

The New York Times

Those times, too, have gone.

The Economist

"Those times have definitely changed".

The New York Times

In those times, we explored.

Independent

Those times are not over.

The New York Times - Sports

I won't forget those times.

The New Yorker

Those times seem long past.

The New York Times - Arts

Those times were particularly hard.

The New York Times

But are those times ending?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "those times", ensure the context clearly defines the specific period you are referring to. Avoid ambiguity by providing enough information for your audience to understand the temporal reference.

Common error

Avoid using "those times" without providing sufficient context. If the specific period is unclear, readers may struggle to understand your intended meaning, leading to confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "those times" functions as a noun phrase, specifically acting as a temporal reference. It points to a specific period or era that is understood or has been previously established in the context. Ludwig confirms its valid usage in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "those times" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that serves as a temporal reference. It's versatile across various contexts, as demonstrated by Ludwig, particularly in news and media, where it helps draw connections between past and present events. To avoid ambiguity, ensure the specific period you're referencing is clear to your audience. While the phrase is generally neutral, consider the specific nuance you want to convey, and choose from alternatives like "that era" or "the old days" to better suit your intended meaning. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's correctness and provides ample examples for effective usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

those days

A more colloquial and nostalgic way of referring to a past period.

back then

A shorter, more informal way to refer to a specific point in the past.

that era

Focuses more on a specific period defined by particular characteristics.

in those years

Emphasizes the duration of the period being referred to.

the old days

Implies a more distant past, often with a sense of nostalgia or difference from the present.

earlier periods

A more formal and neutral way to refer to past times.

the bygone days

Suggests a past that is significantly different from the present and possibly idealized.

former years

A more formal way to speak about years in the past.

previous epochs

Implies a longer and more distinct period of time, often used in historical or scientific contexts.

the past

A very general term for any time before the present, lacking the specificity of "those times".

FAQs

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

You can use "those times" to refer to a specific period in the past that is understood by both the speaker and the audience. For example, "I often think back to "those times" when we were kids and played in the park."

What's a more formal way to say "those times"?

For a more formal tone, you could use phrases like "that era" or "earlier periods", depending on the context and the level of formality required.

Is it correct to say "in those times" instead of "during those times"?

Both "in those times" and "during those times" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably. The choice often depends on personal preference or stylistic considerations, but "during those times" is more common.

What's the difference between "those times" and "the old days"?

"Those times" generally refers to a specific period known to both the speaker and listener. "The old days", on the other hand, usually implies a more distant past, often idealized and contrasted with the present.