Useful terms related to “of the time” include Contemporary, Current, Of the era, Typical of the period. They overlap with the topic in different ways rather than functioning as perfect substitutes, so the surrounding context matters.
How These Terms Relate to “Of the Time”
Quick options:
- Contemporary
- Current
- Of the era
- Typical of the period
- Characteristic of the age
- Then-current
- Period-specific
- Of its day
- In keeping with the era
- Representative of the time
Contemporary
Use “Contemporary” where “Of the Time” is being used for fits when the focus is association with a particular historical or current period.
Example: A revision may use “Contemporary” where “Of the Time” would be too broad for a context about fits when the focus is association with a particular historical or current period.
Current
Current fits when the focus is association with a particular historical or current period. It is related to of the time, but it may be broader, narrower, or differently framed.
Example: The choice “Current” makes sense when the sentence needs to express fits when the focus is association with a particular historical or current period.
Of the era
Choose “Of the era” when fits when the focus is association with a particular historical or current period is the part of “Of the Time” you want to emphasize.
Example: In a context built around fits when the focus is association with a particular historical or current period, “Of the era” can preserve the intended meaning.
Typical of the period
“Typical of the period” can replace “Of the Time” in contexts concerned with fits when the focus is association with a particular historical or current period.
Example: A writer can use “Typical of the period” to make a sentence about fits when the focus is association with a particular historical or current period more exact.
Characteristic of the age
Characteristic of the age fits when the focus is decisive action rather than delay or uncertainty. It is related to of the time, but it may be broader, narrower, or differently framed.
Example: When editing for nuance, “Characteristic of the age” is worth considering if the context is fits when the focus is decisive action rather than delay or uncertainty.
Then-current
“Then-current” is most appropriate when the surrounding sentence points to fits when the focus is association with a particular historical or current period.
Example: The expression “Then-current” can fit naturally where the sentence deals with fits when the focus is association with a particular historical or current period.
Period-specific
Use “Period-specific” for the shade of “Of the Time” connected with fits when the focus is association with a particular historical or current period.
Example: For a sentence whose real focus is fits when the focus is association with a particular historical or current period, “Period-specific” can be more specific than “Of the Time”.
Of its day
“Of its day” can be more precise than “Of the Time” where the context involves fits when the focus is association with a particular historical or current period.
Example: A careful rewrite might select “Of its day” when fits when the focus is association with a particular historical or current period is the sense that matters.
In keeping with the era
Choose “In keeping with the era” if the intended nuance is fits when the focus is association with a particular historical or current period.
Example: In language concerned with fits when the focus is association with a particular historical or current period, “In keeping with the era” can be an accurate alternative.
Representative of the time
“Representative of the time” belongs in this set because it can express the sense of fits when the focus is association with a particular historical or current period.
Example: The term “Representative of the time” is useful when a writer wants to emphasize fits when the focus is association with a particular historical or current period.
How to Choose the Right Wording for “Of the Time”
Use the term that matches the precise relationship you mean. Some choices above name a broader category, a narrower technique, or a neighboring concept, so they should not all be treated as exact equivalents of of the time.