times

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "times" is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used as a noun, verb, or adverb. For example, "I visited the store three times this month".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

How times have changed.

The New York Times

"In more congested areas or particularly busy times of the day, then vehicles on key roads might be given priority in order to keep the traffic flowing".

The Guardian - Tech

According to the Campaign for Better Transport (CBT), the cost of a Milton Keynes season ticket has risen 23.5%, or £930, since January 2010 and is one of a number of fares that have increased around four times more than average wages over this five-year period.

The Guardian

But times are hard.

The Guardian

But these are not ordinary times.

The New York Times - Sports

The Newry and Armagh MP said: "I have served the party as deputy leader through very difficult times.

The Guardian

The actor replies: "Do you know how many times the cops have been called just because we're black?

The Guardian - Film

It was also reported that Darling "flipped" the location of his second home four times in four years, allowing him to claim thousands of pounds towards the cost of his Edinburgh home and a London flat.

The Guardian

States and territories will also lose access to reward payments for reducing waiting times under the national partnership agreement on improving public hospital services, saving the federal government $201m over three years.

The Guardian

HOW times change.

The New York Times

He had been shot nine times.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "times" to indicate multiplication, ensure clarity by using the full phrase "multiplied by" in formal writing to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "times" as a direct substitute for "instances" or "occasions" in highly formal documents. Opt for more precise terms to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The word "times" functions primarily as a noun, referring to instances, periods, or occasions. It can also serve as a preposition indicating multiplication. Ludwig AI confirms this versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "times" is a highly versatile word with multiple grammatical functions and communicative purposes. It commonly serves as a noun to denote instances, periods, or occasions, and as a preposition to indicate multiplication. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically correct and very common, particularly within news and media contexts. While generally neutral in register, more formal alternatives may be preferred in specific academic or professional settings. To avoid ambiguity, it's best practice to use "multiplied by" in mathematical contexts, especially in formal writing. The analysis underscores the importance of considering the specific context when interpreting and using "times" effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

instances

Emphasizes individual occurrences or examples, similar to counting "times" something happens.

occurrences

Refers to the act or fact of something happening, much like using "times" to count events.

number of

Indicates a count of something, akin to using "times" to express quantity or frequency.

occasions

Refers to specific instances or events, similar to "times" when indicating occurrences.

frequency

Describes how often something happens, closely related to the concept of "times" as a measure of repetition.

moments

Highlights specific points in time, related to "times" when referring to particular instances.

periods

Denotes specific durations or eras, related to "times" in the context of time spans.

stages

Denotes distinct phases or steps in a process, similar to referring to different "times" within a sequence.

eras

Highlights significant historical or cultural periods, akin to referring to different "times" in history.

multiplied by

Used in mathematical contexts, similar to "times" when performing multiplication.

FAQs

How can I use "times" in a sentence?

You can use "times" to refer to instances (e.g., "I've been there several times"), periods (e.g., "In ancient times"), or multiplication (e.g., "Two times two is four").

What are some alternatives to "times" when referring to occasions?

Instead of "times", you can use "occasions", "instances", or "moments" depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "times" to indicate multiplication?

Yes, "times" is commonly used to indicate multiplication, as in "three times four equals twelve". However, in formal writing, using "multiplied by" may be clearer.

What is the difference between "times" and "eras"?

"Times" can refer to specific instances or broader periods, while "eras" typically denote significant historical or cultural periods. The choice depends on the specificity you want to convey.