Can anyone explain the difference between "at the time" vs "of the time"? For example:
This did not quite fit the prevailing architectural schools at the time it was designed.
This did not quite fit the prevailing architectural schools of the time.
Is it as simple as the following?
- "at the time" + temporal reference (e.g., yesterday, tomorrow)
- "of the time" Ø temporal reference (e.g., "it was the material of the time that had an impact…")
Best Answer
The first example means that, back at the time when it was designed, it was considered that this didn't quite fit the prevailing contemporary architectural schools.
The second one is more like in the case of some art connoisseur stating, this didn't quite fit the prevailing architectural schools that were existing and active at the time it was designed.
Hope it helps.