time of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "time of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific period or moment in time, often in contexts related to events or experiences. Example: "During the time of the Renaissance, art and science flourished in Europe."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

time of 5.9 seconds.

The New York Times

It's a time of malaise.

The New York Times

Until next time, of course.

The New York Times

The world's time of need.

The New York Times - Sports

In a time of recession.

Independent

It's a time of transition.

The New York Times

The chilly time of year.

The New Yorker

At this time of day.

The New Yorker

A patriot in time of war.

The New York Times

Or perhaps just a time of transition.

The New York Times - Arts

It's that time of the year.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "time of" to denote a specific event, ensure the context is clear. For example, specify "time of day", "time of year", or "time of the event" to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "time of" excessively in long, complex sentences, as it can make the sentence sound clunky. Instead, try rephrasing for clarity. For example, instead of "During the time of the concert, the crowd was very enthusiastic", consider "The crowd was very enthusiastic during the concert".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "time of" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adjectival modifier to specify the period, instance, or moment associated with a noun. Ludwig provides many examples that exemplify this function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "time of" is a very common and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to specify a period, moment, or instance. As Ludwig AI highlights, its usage is prevalent across various contexts, with the most frequent appearances in news and media sources. While generally neutral in register, its level of formality is dictated by the surrounding text. For clarity and variety in writing, alternatives such as "period of", "moment of", or "stage of" can be employed. The key is to use "time of" in a way that contributes to the overall clarity and conciseness of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

period of

Replaces "time" with "period", emphasizing a duration rather than a specific point.

moment of

Substitutes "time" with "moment", highlighting a particular instant or point in time.

point in time

Replaces the entire phrase to directly indicate a specific instance.

stage of

Focuses on a specific phase or part of a process or development.

occasion of

Emphasizes a particular event or instance when something happens.

duration of

Highlights the length or extent of a particular event or activity.

date of

Specifically refers to a calendar date when something occurs.

era of

Indicates a significant historical period with distinctive characteristics.

season of

Relates to a specific time of year, often associated with particular activities or conditions.

phase of

Similar to "stage of", but often used in more technical or scientific contexts.

FAQs

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

You can use "time of" to refer to a specific period or moment. For example, "What "time of day" was it?" or "It is that "time of year" again".

What are some alternatives to "time of"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "period of", "moment of", "stage of", or "occasion of".

Is it correct to say "the time of the event" or "the event's time"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "the time of the event" is more common and generally preferred in formal writing. "The event's time" is acceptable but might sound less formal.

When should I use "at the time of" vs. "during the time of"?

"At the time of" refers to a specific point, while "during the time of" refers to a duration. For example, "at the time of the accident" versus "during the time of the Renaissance".