a quantity of time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a quantity of time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to an unspecified amount of time, often in contexts discussing duration or periods. Example: "We need to allocate a quantity of time for this project to ensure its success."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

It does require a quantity of time to be present.

University of California, Berkeley

The strange part about being human is that "life" so easily comes to mean a quantity of time, an allotment of experience.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The truncated core-fucosylated structure and the singly galactosylated glycan (corresponding to compositions of Fuc1Hex3HexNAc4 and Fuc1Hex4HexNAc4) prominent in the other samples are both present in vanishingly small quantities when compared with the di-galactosylated form at m/ z 2245.5, which is present in a quantity of ∼10 times that of the others.

Glycobiology

Huntsman did leave out one teensy little thing: he forgot to spend a sizeable quantity of time in a POW camp.

The Guardian - Opinion

For the "knowledge workers" of the digital economy, it was both metaphor and delivery mechanism for the feeling that the pressure of trying to complete an ever-increasing number of tasks, in a finite quantity of time, was becoming impossible to bear.

The Guardian - Tech

We didn't have a large quantity of time with him, but the quality was remarkable.

Independent

"A huge quantity of time has been lost by holding on to illusions — the illusions of heroism, religion, Arab nationalism — and by not dealing with the Other.

The New Yorker

However, when dealing with a large quantity of time nodes, due to the curse of dimensionality, the practicability will be limited when solving the model through this method.

Petroleum Science

The expectations you set at the beginning can go a long way, so make sure you are putting in quality time, instead of just a large quantity of time.

WikiHow

Crackers usually are very patient and thorough, and spend an unreasonable quantity of time to achieve their results (they don't just do it for fame and glory, but also the thrill of solving a complex "puzzle").

Huffington Post

Phelps beat him by only four hundredths of a second a tiny quantity of time, less than half the duration of a single blink of the eye.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a quantity of time", ensure the context clarifies whether you are referring to a large or small amount. If the quantity is significant, consider using "a substantial quantity of time".

Common error

While grammatically correct, "a quantity of time" can sound overly formal in everyday conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "a lot of time" or "some time" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a quantity of time" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It refers to an unspecified amount or duration. Ludwig shows its use in expressing the allocation or measurement of time.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a quantity of time" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to refer to an unspecified amount or duration of time. According to Ludwig, it is most commonly found in News & Media and Science. While versatile, it leans toward a neutral to formal register, making it suitable for reports, academic writing, and professional communication. While correct, simpler alternatives like ""an amount of time"" or "some time" might be preferred in informal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a duration of time

Emphasizes the length or extent of time.

an amount of time

Focuses on the measure or extent of time.

a period of time

Highlights a specific interval or segment of time.

a span of time

Indicates the stretch or reach of time.

an interval of time

Suggests a defined break or space in time.

a measure of time

Highlights the act of quantifying time.

a length of time

Focuses on the duration or extent of time.

a segment of time

Implies a distinct portion or section of time.

a portion of time

Suggests a part or share of time.

time allocation

Emphasizes the distribution of time.

FAQs

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

You can use "a quantity of time" to refer to an unspecified amount of time needed or spent on something. For example, "We need to dedicate "an amount of time" to properly train the new employees."

What phrases are similar to "a quantity of time"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a duration of time", ""an amount of time"", or "a period of time", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a quantity of time" or "amount of time"?

"Amount of time" is generally more common and less formal. "A quantity of time" is correct but may sound slightly more academic or formal, so choose the phrase that best fits your context.

When is it appropriate to use "a quantity of time" instead of "a lot of time"?

Use "a quantity of time" when you want to sound more precise or formal. "A lot of time" is perfectly acceptable in informal settings, but "a quantity of time" may be preferred in academic papers or formal reports.