to a time when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to a time when" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a specific period in the past or future when something occurred or will occur. Example: "I often think back to a time when we were carefree and enjoyed life without worries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It belongs to a time when brand effectiveness is everything.

The Guardian - Arts

For instance, the DMCA dates back to a time when DVDs were all the rage.

The Economist

Organized by Mr. Schimmel, this exhibition goes back to a time when destruction still meant something.

The New York Times - Arts

"He belonged to a time when tennis was a little more refined".

Independent

"Let's go back to a time when authors were gentleman amateurs with private incomes," she tweeted.

The Guardian

It goes back to a time when people had some dignity.

The New York Times

"We are going to go back to a time when the government controlled the banking system".

The New York Times

"He goes back to a time when it was a little more western, and that's cool".

The New York Times - Sports

It dates back to a time when there was a real working waterfront".

The New York Times

By doing that, we came to a time when they did mate.

The New York Times - Science

Does Booth look forward to a time when his appearance doesn't get much of a mention?

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to a time when", ensure that the clause following 'when' clearly defines the characteristic or event that distinguishes that period. This provides a clear reference point for the reader.

Common error

Avoid shifting tenses inconsistently when using "to a time when". Ensure that the tense used in the 'when' clause aligns logically with the rest of the sentence to maintain clarity and coherence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to a time when" functions as a prepositional phrase introducing a relative clause. It sets the stage for describing a specific period characterized by certain conditions or events. Ludwig provides many examples, like referring "to a time when brand effectiveness is everything" or "to a time when people had some dignity."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to a time when" is a grammatically correct and versatile construction used to provide temporal context by relating situations to specific periods. It's considered "Very common" according to Ludwig, appearing frequently in "News & Media", "Science", and "Formal & Business" contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, noting its function as a prepositional phrase introducing a relative clause. When using this phrase, ensure consistent tense usage and a clear definition of the defining characteristic to maintain clarity. Alternatives like "during an era when" or "back when" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in a period when

Focuses on a specific duration or stage in history.

during an era when

Emphasizes a longer, more defined historical period.

in an age where

Highlights the characteristics of a particular period in history.

in an epoch when

Suggests a significant and distinctive period of history.

in those days when

Refers to a past period, often with a nostalgic connotation.

during which

Implies a continuous period where something occurred.

back when

A more informal way to refer to a past period.

at a point where

Highlights a specific moment or stage of development.

in a moment where

Refers to a very specific point in time.

when

A simpler, more direct way to introduce a time or condition.

FAQs

How can I use "to a time when" in a sentence?

The phrase "to a time when" introduces a clause that describes a particular period. For example, "I often think back "to a time when" we were carefree."

What are some alternatives to "to a time when"?

Alternatives include "during an era when", "in an age where", or "back when", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "to a time that" instead of "to a time when"?

While "that" can sometimes replace "when" in relative clauses, it's less common and might sound awkward in this specific phrase. Sticking with "when" is generally preferred for clarity.

What's the difference between "to a time when" and "at a time when"?

"To a time when" often implies a reflective or comparative perspective, whereas "at a time when" simply indicates the circumstances during a particular period. The choice depends on the intended emphasis of the sentence.