a definite time

USAGE SUMMARY

"a definite time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you need to specify a particular time or moment. For example, "We must finish this project by a definite time."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Pendle Hill example may unite the parties; it is the first of the genre to have a definite time limit, and a short one.

The Guardian

Asked if the July 4th recess was his target for the floor debate, he said, "I don&apos t have a definite time.

The New York Times

Moreover, wait for idle cycles of the processor to perform the test are avoided and test finishes within a definite time.

Integration, the VLSI Journal

Unlike bacteria, in eukaryotes there is a definite time gap between when the genome is duplicated and when it is physically separated.

Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) - Molecular Cell Research

Every utterance that is called a revelation was formed in a definite time and place and bears the marks of its history.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Sixth Interim Report of the English Law Revision Commission (1937) has expressed itself (p. 22) in favor of making the firm offer irrevocable even if orally made, provided it contains a definite time limit.

Harvard University

A definite time was not set for the President's report in which he is expected to an nounce plans for further re ducing the number of Ameri cans in Vietnam, probably by 50.000.

The New York Times

The Iowa caucuses, in which people actually have to show up at a definite time and stick around, are decided by relatively small numbers and carried by the most dedicated and the best organised.

The Guardian

In a separate report today, the François-Xavier Bagnoud Association, a private foundation in Switzerland, gave a much higher estimate of future AIDS orphans, at 100 million -- although that number was mentioned without a definite time frame.

The New York Times

A blend of floating and pulsatile principles of drug delivery system would have the advantage that a drug can be released in the upper GI tract after a definite time period of no drug release.

International Journal of Pharmaceutics

By speeding up the cycle and giving it a definite time frame, Mr Ilyuzhinov's approach promises to increase media, and therefore public, interest in chess.The game sorely needs the oxygen of publicity.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a definite time", ensure that the context provides sufficient information to understand what makes that time definite. For example, specify the date, hour, or event that marks the time.

Common error

Avoid using "a definite time" without providing the specific time or event. Saying "We will meet at a definite time" is less effective than "We will meet at 3:00 PM sharp."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a definite time" functions as a noun phrase that modifies another noun or verb by specifying when an action or event occurs. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, serving to mark a specific moment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

46%

News & Media

33%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a definite time" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to denote a specific moment or period. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. The analysis reveals that it's most frequently used in scientific and news-related articles, providing clarity and precision to the timing of events. While alternatives like ""a specific time"" or ""a set time"" exist, it's important to ensure contextual relevance when selecting the most appropriate phrase. When employing "a definite time", always provide enough context to clarify precisely what the defined time refers to. Its consistent usage and high source quality contribute to its reliability as a standard English phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a specific time

Replaces "definite" with "specific", emphasizing the particularity of the time.

a set time

Uses "set" to highlight the predetermined nature of the time.

a fixed time

Employs "fixed" to stress the unchangeable quality of the time.

a precise time

Substitutes "definite" with "precise", focusing on the exactness of the time.

a scheduled time

Indicates the time is part of an arrangement or plan.

a designated time

Suggests the time has been officially assigned or chosen.

a particular time

Emphasizes the distinctness of the time.

a prearranged time

Highlights that the time was agreed upon in advance.

an exact time

Focuses on the pinpoint accuracy of the time.

a stipulated time

Indicates the time is a requirement or condition.

FAQs

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

You can use "a definite time" to indicate a specific point in time. For example, "The experiment will conclude at "a definite time" next Tuesday."

What is a good alternative to "a definite time"?

Alternatives include "a specific time", "a set time", or "a fixed time", depending on the context you want to emphasize.

Is it better to use "a definite time" or "a specific time"?

Both "a definite time" and "a specific time" are correct, but "a specific time" might be more common in everyday conversation, while "a definite time" can add a slightly more formal tone.

What does it mean to schedule something for "a definite time"?

Scheduling something for "a definite time" means that the event has been planned to occur at a particular, clearly identified point in the future. This helps avoid ambiguity and ensures everyone involved knows when to expect the event.