when it was popular

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "when it was popular" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a specific time period in the past when something was widely liked or favored. Example: "The show gained a massive following when it was popular in the early 2000s."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

"Back when it was popular," Mr. Lowe added.

The New York Times

When it was popular for men to wear one earring, he wore two.

The New York Times

"When it was popular to be for the Iraq war, he was for it.

The New York Times

There was a time when it was popular to paint what were really takeovers as being mergers of equals.

The New York Times

He skewered the "Washington politics-as-usual club," which he said had supported the Iraq war when it was popular and was paying the price.

The New York Times

"When it was popular to be a Massachusetts liberal, his voting record was that," said Jay Carson, a Dean campaign spokesman.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

We don't shred the Constitution when it's popular".

The New York Times

As Mr. Malkmus said: "Nirvana's not a punk band when it's popular.

The New York Times - Arts

Wisconsin voters have a long history for standing up for what they believe, not when it's popular but when it really matters".

The New York Times

Not when it's popular, not when it's safe, not when it's low stakes ― but actually when it isn't.

HuffPost

Unpopular judicial decisions are especially important because the rule of law is worthless if it is only followed when it is popular.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "when it was popular" to provide context by linking a past trend or preference to a current situation, helping readers understand the evolution of tastes or practices.

Common error

Avoid using "when it was popular" if you simply mean something was widely known. Popularity implies favor, not just recognition. For example, a controversial historical event might be well-known but not "popular".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when it was popular" functions as an adverbial clause of time, providing a temporal context to the main clause. It modifies the verb in the main clause by specifying when the action or state occurred in relation to something's popularity. Ludwig shows various examples of how it is used in sentences.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "when it was popular" is a common and grammatically correct adverbial clause of time, predominantly used in news media and academic contexts to establish a temporal relationship with a past period of widespread favor. As Ludwig AI confirms, its communicative purpose is to provide context or explain changes by linking past trends to current situations. While it can be used across a range of registers, it's crucial to distinguish it from 'when it was well-known', which doesn't necessarily imply favor. Alternatives like "in its heyday" offer more concise options. Remember to use this phrase to provide meaningful temporal context to help your readers understand the evolution of tastes and practices.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

during its popularity peak

Emphasizes the moment when something reached its highest level of public interest.

at the height of its fame

Highlights the period when something was most well-known and celebrated.

when it was in vogue

Like "when it was fashionable", but with a slightly more sophisticated connotation.

in its heyday

Focuses on the peak or prime time of something's popularity or success.

when it was fashionable

Specifically refers to times when something aligned with current trends in style.

in its prime

Similar to "in its heyday", suggesting the best or most flourishing time.

when it was all the rage

Conveys a sense of intense but possibly short-lived enthusiasm or fashion.

during its golden age

Suggests a time of excellence and high achievement, often in arts or culture.

back when it was trending

Implies a temporary surge in popularity, often associated with social media or current events.

in the good old days

Evokes a nostalgic sense of a past time considered better than the present.

FAQs

How can I use "when it was popular" in a sentence?

You can use "when it was popular" to describe a time when something was well-liked or common. For example, "Bell-bottom jeans were all the rage "when it was popular" in the 1970s".

What's a more concise way to say "when it was popular"?

Alternatives include "in its heyday" or "during its popularity peak". These phrases can often replace "when it was popular" while maintaining the same meaning but with fewer words.

Is "when it was popular" formal or informal?

"When it was popular" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The surrounding language and the specific context will influence the overall formality of your writing.

What's the difference between "when it was popular" and "when it was well-known"?

"When it was popular" refers to a time when something was well-liked or favored. "When it was well-known" simply indicates a time when something was widely recognized or famous, regardless of whether it was liked or not.