A substantial amount of time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "A substantial amount of time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a significant duration or period that is noteworthy in a particular context. Example: "The project took a substantial amount of time to complete, far longer than we initially anticipated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They will be staying at another address for a substantial amount of time".

The Guardian

Over the course of the tournament, that can add up to a substantial amount of time".

The New York Times - Sports

Those fees aren't enormous if they require a substantial amount of time.

The New York Times

"After a substantial amount of time, they realized that their children had been trafficked".

The New York Times

"But then there is a substantial amount of time to unpull the trigger.

The New York Times

Children with early-onset deformities live with metallic implants for a substantial amount of time.

Spine Deformity

Both testing and simulation require a substantial amount of time and volunteer resources.

Neurocomputing

Senator Schumer added that his bill would give industry a substantial amount of time to switch to other plastics.

The New York Times

Off-screen, he seems to have spent a substantial amount of time trying to shape his children in his image.

The New Yorker

This takes a substantial amount of time to run, because the code is carrying out fits at every iteration.

Harvard University

Research is not just useful to know, it's critical and you should spend a substantial amount of time doing it.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a substantial amount of time" when you want to emphasize that a significant duration is involved in a process, task, or event. It's appropriate for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While "a substantial amount of time" is a useful phrase, avoid using it repeatedly in close proximity within your writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "a considerable duration" or "a significant period" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a substantial amount of time" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to specify the duration of an action or state. It emphasizes that the time involved is considerable. Ludwig confirms its acceptability and frequent use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a substantial amount of time" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to indicate a significant duration. According to Ludwig, it’s considered correct and is widely used across diverse contexts, including news, science, and academia. While appropriate for both formal and informal settings, be mindful of overuse and consider employing synonyms like "a considerable duration" or "a significant period" for variety. Keep in mind that this phrase works in a large variety of topics.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a substantial duration

A direct synonym, replacing 'amount' with 'duration'.

a considerable duration

Focuses on the length of the time period.

a significant period

Emphasizes the importance or impact of the time span.

a lengthy timeframe

Highlights the extended nature of the time involved.

an extended duration

Similar to 'lengthy timeframe' but slightly more formal.

a prolonged period

Suggests a time span that is longer than expected or desired.

a good while

A more informal way to indicate a notable amount of time.

an appreciable time

Indicates the time is large enough to be noticed or have an effect.

a large chunk of time

Emphasizes the portion of time being discussed.

a noteworthy period

Focuses on the prominence or importance of the time span.

FAQs

How can I use "a substantial amount of time" in a sentence?

You can use "a substantial amount of time" to indicate that something requires or involves a significant duration. For example, "The project took "a substantial amount of time" to complete."

What phrases are similar to "a substantial amount of time"?

Similar phrases include "a considerable duration", "a significant period", or "a lengthy timeframe". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a substantial amount of time" formal or informal?

"A substantial amount of time" is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. Its versatility makes it a useful phrase in various writing styles.

When should I avoid using "a substantial amount of time"?

Avoid overusing "a substantial amount of time" in close proximity to other instances of the phrase. Use synonyms to provide variety and maintain reader interest. Consider options like "a considerable duration" or "a significant period".