in those days

in those days — idiom

1. referring to a time in the past, especially one that feels different from the pr

1.慣用語A2
釋義

referring to a time in the past, especially one that feels different from the present — often used to describe past customs, living conditions, or habits that have since changed.

例句

In those days, people wrote letters instead of sending emails.

contrast between past and present

Kian remembers that in those days, milk was delivered to his door every morning.

passive: was delivered + describing a past routine

同義詞
  • back then

    more informal and conversational

  • at that time

    can also refer to a single moment, not only a period

  • in that era

    more formal, often used for historical periods

反義詞
  • nowadays

    informal, contrasts past with present

  • these days

    focuses on current habits or trends

文法句型

In those days + [past tense clause]

In those days + used to

用法筆記

Typically opens a sentence or clause to set a past time frame. Often implies a contrast with present-day customs or conditions. Most common with past-tense verbs or 'used to'.

常見錯誤

❌In those days, I am working at a bank.
✅In those days, I worked at a bank.
💡'in those days' refers to the past, so it must be used with a past tense.
❌I met her in those days.' (when referring to a single moment)
✅I met her at that time.
💡'in those days' describes a whole period, not a single moment.