During vs. In This Time

Attribute	During	In This Time
Definition	Throughout the duration of a specified period	Refers to the current period or moment
Usage	Used to indicate a period of time in which something happens	Used to refer to the present time or a specific time frame
Duration	Indicates a period of time	Refers to a specific point in time
Temporal Relationship	Indicates a period within which an event occurs	Refers to the current time frame or moment

Definition and Usage

The phrases "during" and "in this time" are both used to indicate a specific period or moment in time. "During" is a preposition that is used to show when something happens within a particular time frame. For example, "I saw him during the meeting." On the other hand, "in this time" is a phrase that is used to refer to the current period or moment. For example, "In this time of uncertainty, it is important to stay positive."

Duration

One key difference between "during" and "in this time" is the duration they imply. "During" typically refers to a specific point within a time frame, while "in this time" suggests a more extended period. For example, "I ate lunch during the break" indicates a short period of time, while "In this time of social distancing, we must stay home" implies a longer duration.

Specificity

Another distinction between the two phrases is the level of specificity they provide. "During" is often used to pinpoint a particular moment or event within a broader time frame. For example, "I fell asleep during the movie" specifies when the action occurred. On the other hand, "in this time" is more general and does not necessarily refer to a specific event but rather a general period. For example, "In this time of change, we must adapt" does not specify a particular moment but rather a broader context.

Context

The context in which "during" and "in this time" are used also differs. "During" is commonly used in a more formal or technical context to indicate a specific time frame. For example, "The experiment was conducted during the summer months." On the other hand, "in this time" is often used in a more informal or emotional context to refer to the current situation or period. For example, "In this time of crisis, we must come together as a community."

Emphasis

Additionally, the phrases "during" and "in this time" can place emphasis on different aspects of a sentence. "During" tends to emphasize the action or event that occurred within a specific time frame. For example, "I studied during the weekend" emphasizes the studying that took place. In contrast, "In this time of reflection, we must consider our actions" places emphasis on the broader context or theme of reflection.

Usage in Writing

When it comes to writing, both "during" and "in this time" can be used effectively to convey different meanings and nuances. "During" is often used to provide specific details or to indicate a temporal relationship between events. For example, "The phone rang during the meeting, causing a distraction." On the other hand, "in this time" can be used to set the tone or context for a piece of writing. For example, "In this time of uncertainty, the protagonist must make a difficult decision."

Conclusion

In conclusion, while both "during" and "in this time" are used to refer to specific periods or moments, they have distinct differences in terms of duration, specificity, context, emphasis, and usage in writing. Understanding these differences can help writers choose the most appropriate phrase to convey their intended meaning effectively. Whether you are writing a formal report or a creative piece, being mindful of the nuances between "during" and "in this time" can enhance the clarity and impact of your writing.