a chunk of time

USAGE SUMMARY

"chunk of time" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when expressing a relatively large portion of time, such as "I'm feeling overwhelmed; I need a chunk of time to myself to clear my head."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

Yes, you're going to be out for a chunk of time.

The New York Times

"The summer period is a chunk of time, and it's like a black box.

The New York Times

At least one day each weekend, we'd have a chunk of time blocked off for the necessary family time.

The New York Times

He missed a chunk of time with the injuries and began the season on the disabled list.

The New York Times - Sports

And it was really good for me, knowing I'd get a chunk of time and no more".

The Guardian

He had opted for a comedy tour when a chunk of time opened up in his schedule.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

All someone really needs to start is a chunk of cash, time and a willingness to learn.

The New York Times

For overscheduled, multitasking high achievers — men as well as women — nothing is more alluring than a chunk of empty time.

The New York Times

Is Seene compelling enough to slice off a chunk of that time?

TechCrunch

As you can imagine, it took up a chunk of our time.

TechCrunch

You need a little bit of money, a chunk of free time, a bike, a tent, and the desire.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a chunk of time" when you want to emphasize that a significant portion of time is being allocated, used, or discussed. For example, "The project requires a chunk of time for thorough research."

Common error

While "a chunk of time" implies a notable amount, avoid using it when specific durations are relevant or can be easily provided. Instead of saying "The meeting took a chunk of time", specify "The meeting lasted two hours."

Linguistic Context

Noun phrase acting as an adverbial modifier. The phrase "a chunk of time" typically modifies a verb or clause, indicating the extent of time involved in an action or situation. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Wiki

8%

Huffington Post

20%

Less common in

The New York Times

8%

BBC

4%

TechCrunch

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a chunk of time" is a common and acceptable English phrase used to describe a significant amount of time. As per Ludwig AI's analysis, the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for many contexts. While suitable for general use, it is advisable to use more precise terms when specific timeframes are known. Ludwig’s examples show its prevalence in News & Media sources, indicating its familiarity in everyday communication. When aiming for formality, consider alternatives like "a period of time" or "a significant duration".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a period of time

More formal and neutral, suitable for professional or academic contexts.

a block of time

Emphasizes scheduling or reservation of time for a specific purpose.

a significant amount of time

Highlights the length or importance of the time being discussed.

a considerable duration

More formal, focusing on the length of the time span.

a stretch of time

Suggests a continuous, unbroken period.

an extended period

Similar to "a period of time" but implies greater length.

a good while

More informal, implying a substantial but indefinite duration.

a large amount of time

Emphasizes the quantity of time, often in contrast to other demands.

quite a bit of time

Informal, suggesting a notable but unspecified amount of time.

a substantial time frame

Formal, highlights the boundaries within which events occur.

FAQs

What does "a chunk of time" mean?

The phrase "a chunk of time" refers to a significant or considerable amount of time, often implying that the time is substantial enough to be noticeable or important.

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

You might say, "I need "a chunk of time" to complete this project without interruptions" or "The software update required "a chunk of time" to download and install properly".

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

You can use alternatives like "a period of time", "a significant amount of time", or "a considerable duration" depending on the context.

Is "a chunk of time" formal or informal?

"A chunk of time" is generally considered informal. For more formal situations, consider using phrases like "a significant period" or "a substantial duration".