a short space of time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a short space of time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a brief duration or interval in which something occurs. Example: "The project was completed in a short space of time, much faster than we had anticipated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And in such a short space of time.

The Guardian - Books

In a short space of time his worries were confirmed.

The Guardian - Opinion

You can't do something in a short space of time.

The Guardian - Sport

I learnt so much in a short space of time.

The Guardian

"I hope we can make some really big improvements in a short space of time".

Independent

If anyone can turn it around in a short space of time, he can.

Independent

In the second innings he made 20-odd runs in a short space of time.

Independent

In a short space of time, that has become so normal.

Independent

Within a short space of time, fans began arriving via MySpace.

The Guardian - Music

In a short space of time the world would look very different.

The Guardian - Books

Several east Asian countries have achieved almost universal sanitation coverage in a short space of time.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a short space of time", consider whether a more specific time frame (e.g., "a few minutes", "several days") would provide greater clarity for your reader.

Common error

While acceptable, "a short space of time" can sometimes sound less precise than alternatives like "briefly" or "quickly" in formal writing. Consider whether a more direct synonym would improve clarity and conciseness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a short space of time" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, indicating the duration over which an action occurs. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in describing how quickly something was achieved or how rapidly a situation changed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a short space of time" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes a brief duration. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's appropriate for various contexts, especially in News & Media. While versatile, consider refining your language for greater precision or stylistic effect by using alternatives such as "a brief period" or specifying the time frame more concretely. This will make you a better and more clear writer.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a brief period

Replaces "space of time" with the more concise "period", emphasizing the limited duration.

a short duration

Uses a more formal and technical term for length of time.

a little while

Uses more informal language to convey a short duration.

in no time

An idiomatic expression indicating something happens very quickly.

in short order

Suggests that something can be achieved rapidly and efficiently.

a fleeting moment

Emphasizes the quick and transient nature of the duration.

before long

Indicates that something will happen soon, within a limited timeframe.

in a flash

Idiomatic phrase that suggests the action happens almost instantly.

momentarily

Adverb indicating something will occur very soon.

quickly

A simple adverb indicating speed, implying a short duration.

FAQs

How can I use "a short space of time" in a sentence?

You can use "a short space of time" to indicate that something happened or was completed quickly. For example, "The project was completed in "a short space of time"."

What can I say instead of "a short space of time"?

You can use alternatives like "a brief period", "a little while", or "in no time" depending on the context.

Is "a short space of time" formal or informal?

"A short space of time" is generally considered neutral to slightly formal. More formal alternatives include "briefly" or "a short duration", while informal options include "a little while" or "in a flash".

What is the difference between "a short space of time" and "a short period of time"?

The phrases "a short space of time" and "a short period of time" are largely interchangeable and carry the same meaning. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or stylistic variation.