time during which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "time during which" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an amount of time or period of time for something to happen or be done. For example: Employees must attend the training program within the two week time during which it takes place.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But it is still a long time, during which piracy flourishes.

The New York Times - Tech

An embargo is a limited period of time during which your thesis is not publicly available.

Columbia University

He berated Celi for allowing six minutes of injury time, during which time Sampdoria nearly equalised.

The Guardian - Sport

It has been restored to the time during which he lived there.

The New York Times

(3 Anesthesia time means the time during which an anesthesia practitioner is present with the patient.

Cornell University

It was a time during which a certain kind of poverty was appropriate.

The New Yorker

Write an analysis on how computer games reflect the time during which they are most popular.

The New York Times

The Clintons embraced for a long time, during which Hillary patted her husband's back.

The New York Times

In Chicago, the service begins with "free time," during which you needn't sit down.

The New Yorker

The cases also take time, during which investors' stock is tied up.

The New York Times

Epoch, unit of geological time during which a rock series is deposited.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "time during which", ensure that the clause following it clearly defines what happens or is valid during that specific time. This helps to avoid ambiguity and ensures clarity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using redundant phrases alongside "time during which". For instance, instead of saying "the period of time during which", streamline it to just "the time during which" or even better, replace it with a simpler alternative such as "while" or "when" depending on the context. This prevents unnecessary wordiness and makes your writing more concise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "time during which" functions as a prepositional phrase introducing a relative clause. It specifies a particular duration or span in which an action, event, or state occurs. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its versatile usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

32%

Science

28%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "time during which" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that introduces a relative clause to specify a temporal duration. Ludwig's analysis indicates its versatility across diverse contexts, including news, academia, and science. The phrase's neutral to formal register makes it suitable for various writing styles. When using "time during which", clarity is key. Ensure that the subsequent clause precisely defines what occurs or is valid during the specified time. While widely accepted, strive for conciseness by avoiding redundancy. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable, cementing its place in formal English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the time that

Uses the simple construction "the time that" rather than the prepositional phrase.

duration when

Replaces "during which" with the simpler "when", focusing on the length of time.

period when

Replaces the preposition "during which" with the simpler conjunction "when", creating a more concise structure.

interval wherein

Substitutes "during which" with the more formal and less common "wherein", altering the register of the phrase.

phase in which

Emphasizes a distinct stage or part of a process, replacing "time" with "phase" to highlight a specific period.

while

Replaces the entire phrase with a single conjunction, achieving brevity but potentially losing specificity.

the stretch when

Uses a more casual term, "stretch", to refer to the time, differing in formality from the original phrase.

spell that

Uses the informal "spell" to denote a continuous period, differing significantly in tone from the original phrase.

the period as

Employs "the period as", changing the preposition to frame the time as a condition or state.

moment that

Specifies a very brief duration, contrasting with the potentially longer duration implied by "time during which".

FAQs

How can I use "time during which" in a sentence?

Use "time during which" to specify a period when something occurs or is valid. For example, "The embargo is a limited period of "time during which" your thesis is not publicly available."

What are some alternatives to "time during which"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "when", "while", or "period when".

Is there a difference between "time during which" and "period during which"?

While similar, "period during which" is slightly more formal and emphasizes a defined duration. "Time during which" is more general and can refer to any span of time.

Can I replace "time during which" with a simpler word or phrase?

Yes, in many cases, you can use "when" or "while" for a more concise sentence. However, ensure the meaning remains clear and accurate.