a big chunk of time

USAGE SUMMARY

"a big chunk of time" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a lengthy period of time, such as when you want to express the need for a lot of effort or focus on a particular task. For example, "I spent a big chunk of time studying for the final exam."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

That took a big chunk of time.

The Guardian

In the skeleton, 'a tiny American' went '0.36 seconds into the lead and that's a big chunk of time'.

The Guardian - Sport

Mr. Baker, his wife and their three children spent a big chunk of time in Australia and Italy.

The New York Times

He knows that taking off a big chunk of time from work is damaging to my career in the long run.

The New York Times

Mr. Baker, 45, will join a law firm after "taking off a big chunk of time for the holidays," he said in an interview.

The New York Times

Not just for the dosh, which, as he says, "buys a big chunk of time", but because the writer, solitary, toiling away, producing a book every five or six years, sometimes starts to doubt whether he exists.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

I wanted to do something that would span a bigger chunk of time.

The New York Times

"Places like snooker and bingo halls take a bigger chunk of time, while meeting for coffee doesn't take long.

BBC

I find the flow and focus that results from utilizing a bigger chunk of time is far more beneficial than doing things on-and-off over the course of a couple days.

Forbes

But I felt like I needed a bigger chunk of time to myself.

Huffington Post

Jetting about during France's presidency of the G20 will occupy a big chunk of his time.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a big chunk of time" when you want to emphasize that a task requires a significant commitment of time. For example, "Learning a new language takes "a big chunk of time" and consistent effort."

Common error

While "a big chunk of time" is common, it can sound informal in professional or academic writing. In these settings, consider more precise alternatives like "a considerable amount of time" or "a significant duration".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a big chunk of time" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as an object or complement within a sentence. It quantifies a duration, indicating a substantial portion of time. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Wiki

8%

Science & Research

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Science

31%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a big chunk of time" is a common noun phrase used to denote a substantial amount of time. While grammatically correct and widely understood as per Ludwig AI, it tends to be more suitable for neutral or informal contexts. When writing in professional or academic settings, consider more precise alternatives like "a significant duration" or "a considerable period" to maintain a formal tone. Analysis of various sources reveals its frequent appearance in News & Media, Wiki, and Science & Research, with authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian showcasing its usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appreciable amount of time

Underscores that the time quantity is considerable.

good amount of time

Highlights a significant or sufficient allocation.

extended duration

Focuses on the prolonged nature.

considerable period

Emphasizes length and importance; more formal.

sizeable timeframe

Highlights the scale and dimensions of a given time.

a long spell

Implies a continuous stretch of time, often with a specific activity or condition.

substantial duration

Highlights the extent and continuation.

significant time frame

Highlights that a certain duration is under consideration, typically within specific parameters.

lengthy interval

Suggests a gap or pause of notable extension.

protracted period

Conveys a sense of slowness and drawn-out time.

FAQs

What does "a big chunk of time" mean?

The phrase "a big chunk of time" refers to a considerable or significant amount of time, often implying that it's enough to make a difference or complete a substantial part of a task.

How can I use "a big chunk of time" in a sentence?

You can use "a big chunk of time" to describe how long something takes. For example, "Renovating the house will take "a big chunk of time" and effort."

What are some alternatives to "a big chunk of time"?

Alternatives include "considerable time", "significant duration", or "substantial period" depending on the desired level of formality.

Is it appropriate to use "a big chunk of time" in formal writing?

While understandable, "a big chunk of time" is generally better suited for informal contexts. For formal writing, consider using more precise and professional alternatives like "a significant amount of time" or "a considerable duration".