time of which

USAGE SUMMARY

"time of which" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in a sentence to refer to a specific moment or period of time, often after introducing a the moment or period of time with other words. For example: "The summer of 2020 was a difficult time, the time of which I will never forget."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The time after you die is time of which your death deprives you.

The New York Times - Books

"This is first time of which I'm aware it's been done".

The New York Times

Allied diplomats, the military and the Iraqi police contend that improvements like that will take time, of which there is little.

The New York Times

The heist took £2.6 million in used banknotes– a huge sum at the time – of which Biggs received a cut of around £148,000.

Independent

It is essentially a human characteristic; it stems from a consciousness of time, of which the immense cultural significance is only now beginning to be properly evaluated.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I would imagine something like a paradise existing before the wall, a time of which my mother, in particular, was robbed.

The New York Times

Even now, with half-a-dozen biographies on the library shelves and a near-archive of assorted recollection, there are great stretches of time of which hardly anything is known about what he was doing or even where he was.

The Guardian - Books

According to the PFA, about 50 international freezer-trawlers are active in Mauritanian waters at any one time, of which 30 originate from countries such as Russia, China, Korea or Belize.

The Guardian

Many assessments place these Indian cities' output at least on a par with leading European centres of the time – of which Antwerp and Amsterdam stand out as the two foremost world cities in continental Europe during this wave of globalisation.

The Guardian

Some 49 arrests were made during that time, of which at least 14 were related to the behaviour of the revellers – most were disorderly conduct or alcohol related offences.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Poverty rates are even higher among African-American and Hispanic single-mothers working full-time, of which nearly 17 and 19percentt, respectively, lived in poverty.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "time of which" to add detail or qualification to a previously mentioned time period or event. For example, 'The 1920s were a fascinating time, the music of which still resonates today.'

Common error

Avoid using "time of which" in simple sentences where a more direct construction would be clearer. Instead of 'That was the time of which I met her', use 'That's when I met her'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "time of which" functions as a relative phrase, providing additional information or qualification about a previously mentioned time period or event. It connects a dependent clause to an independent clause, adding descriptive detail. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "time of which" functions as a relative phrase that enhances sentences by adding descriptive detail about a previously mentioned time. According to Ludwig, it's considered grammatically correct and suitable for written English. While found in various contexts, from News & Media to Science, it carries a slightly formal tone. When aiming for clarity and conciseness, simpler alternatives may be preferable. The examples provided by Ludwig showcase how "time of which" allows writers to offer a more nuanced understanding of events, emphasizing their context and significance. The expression is very common, so you will find a lot of well-formed sentences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

period during which

Focuses on the duration aspect more explicitly.

moment at which

Emphasizes a specific point in time rather than a duration.

the time when

Simplifies the structure using a more common conjunction.

the occasion on which

Replaces 'time' with 'occasion', highlighting a specific event.

duration wherein

Uses a more formal and less common synonym for 'which'.

stage in which

Highlights a specific phase or part of a process.

interval during which

Highlights a space in time with a beginning and end.

phase when

Focuses on a particular point in a process.

the span wherein

Emphasizes the length of time.

juncture at which

Signifies a crucial or decisive moment.

FAQs

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

Use "time of which" to provide additional information about a specific period or moment already mentioned. For example, "The pandemic was a difficult time, the challenges of which are still felt today."

What are some alternatives to "time of which"?

Consider using phrases like "period during which", "moment at which", or "the time when" depending on the context.

Is "time of which" formal or informal?

"Time of which" is generally considered more formal. In casual conversation, simpler alternatives like "when" or "during which" might be more appropriate.

How does "time of which" differ from "at which time"?

"Time of which" usually refers back to a previously mentioned time, while "at which time" can introduce a new point in time. However, they can often be used interchangeably.