Shorten the duration

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Shorten the duration" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to request a reduction in the length of time something takes or lasts. Example: "To improve efficiency, we need to shorten the duration of our meetings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

For the moderately ill, the drug may shorten the duration of symptoms by about a day.

The New York Times

Tamiflu, also known as oseltamivir, is used to shorten the duration of the flu.

The New York Times

Aggressive rate cuts could also shorten the duration or severity of a slowdown.

The New York Times

Taken in sufficient amounts, they can promote digestive health and help shorten the duration of colds.

The New York Times

They have already been fighting publishers in a suit asking the Supreme Court to shorten the duration of copyright.

The New York Times

They work against both Type A and B viruses and can reduce symptoms and shorten the duration of the flu.

The New York Times

Treatment includes erythromycin, an antibiotic that may help to shorten the duration of illness and the period of communicability.

Encyclopedia Britannica

If taken within 30 hours of the onset of influenza, zanamivir can shorten the duration of the illness.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Prompt recognition of the symptoms and proper management can shorten the duration of the episode, alleviate suffering and reduce costs.

The New York Times

Tamiflu does shorten the duration of influenza symptoms by half a day, but this isn't really an important benefit.

Independent

If taken within 30 hours of the onset of influenza, both drugs can shorten the duration of the illness.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to "shorten the duration" of a project or activity, clearly identify the steps that can be streamlined or eliminated without compromising quality.

Common error

Avoid focusing solely on speed when trying to "shorten the duration". Ensure that reducing the timeframe doesn't compromise the quality or thoroughness of the task at hand.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shorten the duration" functions as a directive or descriptive phrase indicating an action to reduce the length of time something lasts. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "shorten the duration" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression. Ludwig confirms its correctness and applicability across varied contexts. It conveys the intention to reduce the length of time something lasts, often used in professional, scientific, and general communication. Common alternatives include "reduce the length" and "decrease the time". When using this phrase, focus on efficient optimization while maintaining quality. As Ludwig shows, its prevalence across reputable sources underscores its reliability and broad applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Reduce the length

Focuses on the measurement of the duration.

Decrease the time

Emphasizes making the time period smaller.

Cut short the time frame

Suggests a more abrupt or decisive reduction in the allotted time.

Make briefer the period

More formal and emphasizes conciseness.

Expedite the timeframe

Implies speeding up a process so the timeframe is shorter.

Accelerate the schedule

Suggests making a schedule go faster to reduce its overall duration.

Condense the timeline

Focuses on compressing events into a smaller span of time.

Trim the timeframe

Analogous to trimming unwanted length.

Minimize the timeframe

Focuses on reducing the duration to its absolute minimum.

Quicken the process

Emphasizes speed and efficiency to lessen overall duration.

FAQs

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

You can use "shorten the duration" in sentences like: "We aim to "shorten the duration" of the meeting to one hour" or "The goal of this treatment is to "shorten the duration" of the illness".

What are some alternatives to "Shorten the duration"?

Alternatives include "reduce the length", "decrease the time", or "cut short the time frame", depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "Shorten the duration"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Shorten" is a verb, and "duration" is a noun, forming a phrase that clearly expresses the act of making something last for a shorter time.

In what context is "Shorten the duration" most commonly used?

"Shorten the duration" is commonly used in contexts related to project management, medical treatments, and process optimization where there's a need to reduce time or length. Common usages are in "news and media", "encyclopedias" and "science".