Extensive time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Extensive time" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It could be used when referring to a significant duration or period, but it is better to use more standard expressions. Example: "The project required extensive time to complete, far longer than we initially anticipated."

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Similarly, the extensive time given to Hamilton's military service is deserved.

The New York Times

"And this is the most extensive time he's played at that position.

The New York Times - Sports

Gordon, Richard Hamilton and Tayshaun Prince have all missed extensive time.

The New York Times - Sports

The few exceptions have nearly all spent extensive time in these cities.

The Economist

Last season, he missed extensive time with an injured right shoulder.

The New York Times - Sports

The action figure stared impassively, his extensive time on the operating table having granted him a stoic's quiet grace.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

From episode to episode, the show takes extensive time-jumps and includes multiple deaths, along with a marital breakup that feels real.

The New Yorker

Plus the subsidised canteen, friendly colleagues and extensive time-off options made my time there very enjoyable," ASDA Cashier, Yorkshire & Humber     04.

Independent

The carrier density can be determined without having to perform extensive time-consuming numerical simulations.

Nanoscale Research Letters

Extensive time-mean (space-resolved) flow field and composition data already exist in these flames.

Combustion and Flame

This is an approach that reduces extensive, time-consuming and particularly difficult taxonomic identification of certain species.

Ecological Indicators

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you want to emphasize the length or scope of the time involved, use "extensive time". However, consider whether a more common synonym like "considerable time" or "significant time" might sound more natural in your context.

Common error

While grammatically correct, consistently using "extensive time" can make your writing sound overly formal, especially in casual communication. Opt for simpler alternatives like "a long time" or "ages" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "extensive time" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "extensive" modifies the noun "time". It describes a significant duration. As Ludwig AI suggests, this phrase can be replaced with more common alternatives, but remains grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

42%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "extensive time" denotes a considerable duration and is grammatically acceptable, although it may sometimes sound slightly formal and less natural than alternatives like "considerable time" or "significant time", as pointed out by Ludwig AI. It's frequently used in news, media, and scientific contexts to emphasize the length and potential impact of a particular period. While Ludwig shows it is commonly found in various reliable sources, writers should consider the context and audience to ensure the phrase's formality aligns with the intended tone. Ultimately, understanding its purpose and potential substitutes can improve writing clarity and style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Considerable time

Replaces "extensive" with a synonym suggesting a substantial amount of time, maintaining a similar level of formality.

Significant time

Similar to "considerable time", this alternative emphasizes the importance of the duration.

A great deal of time

Uses a more descriptive phrase to indicate a large quantity of time spent.

Substantial amount of time

Replaces "extensive" with a more explicit description of the quantity of time.

Prolonged period

Shifts the focus to the length of the period, emphasizing its extended nature.

Lengthy duration

Highlights the duration as being long and extended.

Extended duration

Focuses on the duration being stretched or made longer.

Long stretch of time

Provides a more visual and descriptive alternative, emphasizing the continuous nature of the time period.

Appreciable time

Indicates that the amount of time is noticeable and worth considering.

A good while

A more informal expression suggesting a considerable amount of time.

FAQs

How can I use "extensive time" in a sentence?

You can use "extensive time" to describe a situation where a significant amount of time is required or spent. For example, "The research required "extensive time" in the laboratory."

What are some alternatives to "extensive time"?

Alternatives include "considerable time", "significant time", or "a great deal of time". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it better to say "extensive time" or "a lot of time"?

"Extensive time" is more formal and emphasizes the length or scope of the time. "A lot of time" is more informal and suitable for casual conversation. Consider your audience and the tone of your writing when making your choice.

What is the difference between "extensive time" and "long time"?

"Extensive time" suggests a substantial and possibly impactful amount of time, whereas "long time" simply indicates a duration that is not short. "Extensive time" may also imply that the duration was used diligently.