What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
epoch
Example
The Renaissance was an epoch of great artistic and intellectual achievement. [epoch: noun]
Example
The Paleolithic epoch lasted from about 2.6 million years ago to about 10,000 BCE. [epoch: noun]
Example
The epoch of the dinosaurs spanned from the Triassic to the Cretaceous period. [epoch: noun]
time
Example
Time flies when you're having fun. [time: noun]
Example
I'll meet you at the park at 3 pm. [time: noun]
Example
She spent a long time studying for the exam. [time: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Time is more commonly used than epoch in everyday language, as it covers a wider range of contexts and is more versatile. Epoch is more commonly used in academic or formal contexts, where a more precise and weighty term is needed.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between epoch and time?
Epoch is more formal than time, as it is often used in academic or historical contexts. Time can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the situation and tone.