For the duration

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "For the duration" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a specific period of time during which something will happen or be in effect. Example: "The park will be closed for the duration of the renovation project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For the duration of Woodstock, there were only 80arrestss.

Huffington Post

For the duration of Silence Yourself, Savages grabs a hold and doesn't let go.

Huffington Post

For the duration of the flight, Jack Daniels was their best friend!

Huffington Post

"I'm there for the duration.

The New York Times

I'm in for the duration.

The New York Times

Not just overnight, but for the duration.

The New York Times

Swords have been frozen for the duration.

The New Yorker

"Now we're here for the duration".

The New Yorker

"I want these stored for the duration".

The New Yorker

But Vinny is here for the duration.

The New York Times - Sports

"We'll be out here every Saturday for the duration.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "for the duration" to clearly specify the temporal boundaries of an event, situation, or condition, ensuring clarity and avoiding ambiguity about how long something will last. For instance, "The road will be closed for the duration of the marathon" leaves no doubt about the closure's timeframe.

Common error

Avoid using "for the duration" when referring to indefinite periods or habitual actions. This phrase implies a defined timeframe, so it's not appropriate for situations without clear start and end points. For example, don't say "He avoided dairy for the duration" if you mean he avoids it generally.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for the duration" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to specify the temporal extent of an action or state. As Ludwig AI confirms, it clarifies how long something continues, as seen in examples such as "They will be sequestered for the duration of the trial."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "for the duration" is a versatile phrase used to specify the length of time something lasts. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and frequently used across a wide range of contexts, particularly in News & Media. While it's generally neutral in register, it's crucial to use it when referring to periods with clear end points, avoiding vagueness. Alternatives include phrases like "throughout the period" or "during the course", which offer similar meanings but may vary in formality or emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Over the duration

Similar in meaning but with a slightly different preposition.

For the length of

Focuses on the measurable extent of time involved.

For the entirety of

Emphasizes the completeness of the time period.

Throughout the period

More formal and emphasizes the entire length of time.

During the course

Slightly more formal and emphasizes the unfolding of events.

During that time

More general and less specific about the precise boundaries.

For the stretch

Informal, suggesting a continuous period of time.

While it lasts

More informal and emphasizes the impermanence of the situation.

For the interval

Focuses on the space between two points in time.

For the time being

Implies a temporary situation, not necessarily the full extent.

FAQs

How can I use "for the duration" in a sentence?

Use "for the duration" to specify the time something will last, as in, "They will be sequestered "for the duration" of the trial".

What are some alternatives to "for the duration"?

Alternatives include "throughout the period", "during the course", or "for the length of", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "over the duration" instead of "for the duration"?

While "over the duration" is sometimes used, "for the duration" is the more common and widely accepted phrasing. Both are understandable, but "for the duration" is generally preferred for its clarity and established usage.

What's the difference between "for the duration" and "for the time being"?

"For the duration" indicates a specific, defined period, whereas "for the time being" suggests a temporary situation without specifying an end date.