a shorter time span

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a shorter time span" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when comparing durations or discussing the length of time something takes in relation to another period. Example: "The new process allows us to complete the project in a shorter time span than before."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

The combination of more information and poorer information, as well as a shorter time span in which to digest that information, invites mistakes and malfunctions.

The New York Times

This is a significant finding because it indicates that meaningful earth based studies in this area can be carried out in a shorter time span.

Advances in Space Research

Compared to a classical composer, someone writing a popular song can utilize only a very small range of musical possibilities: a shorter time span, fewer kinds of instruments, a lower level of virtuosity and a greatly restricted range of compositional techniques.

The New York Times

Firstly, patients dying at the hospital could have less time there and therefore being exposed to cost driving activities for a shorter time span.

Health Economics Review

The reason may be that vehicle leaves the bridge in a shorter time span generating less number of data points that are available in the working of a particle filter algorithm.

Journal of Modern Transportation

Based on the results of the present study, it is evident that under defined culture conditions, it is possible to produce plants with higher contents of oleanolic acid and luteolin contents in a shorter time span and throughout the year.

Botanical Studies

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

"Mr. Dior was very innovative during a short time span.

The New York Times

That might sound like a short time span, he says, but translated to human life span that's 25 years.

Nature

Too much content taught in a short time span means the brain cannot process it and won't retain it.

The Guardian

The second consideration is politeness: we must avoid repeated fetch requests to a host within a short time span.

Stanford University

Logins from multiple countries simultaneously or within a short time span can be an indication of compromised credentials.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing two different processes or methods, use "a shorter time span" to emphasize the efficiency of one over the other.

Common error

Avoid using "a shorter time span" when you actually mean a different measure of efficiency. Ensure that time is the relevant factor you are highlighting, not cost or resources.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a shorter time span" functions as an adjective phrase modifying the noun "span". It typically serves to specify or quantify a duration, indicating that a particular event, process, or activity takes place within a reduced timeframe. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a shorter time span" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to indicate a reduced duration, often in comparison to another timeframe. It is used across diverse contexts, primarily in science and news reporting, where efficiency and speed are key considerations. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is appropriate and versatile. To ensure clarity, it is important to use this phrase when time is the most relevant factor, and it's useful to clearly reference what you are comparing it to.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a briefer duration

Focuses on the length of time, emphasizing brevity.

a reduced timeframe

Highlights the limiting of time available for a task or project.

a smaller time window

Emphasizes the limited opportunity within a specific period.

a quicker period

Highlights the speed at which something occurs.

a more compact duration

Emphasizes the condensed nature of the time involved.

a tighter schedule

Focuses on a more compressed and demanding arrangement of time.

a compressed timeline

Highlights the squeezing of events into a limited duration.

a rapid interval

Emphasizes the fast-paced nature of the time between events.

a swift period

Indicates a quick and efficient amount of time.

an accelerated duration

Highlights the speeding up of a process or event.

FAQs

How can I use "a shorter time span" in a sentence?

You can use "a shorter time span" to compare the duration of two events or processes, highlighting the more efficient one. For example, "The new method requires "a shorter time span" than the old one".

What are some alternatives to "a shorter time span"?

Alternatives include "a briefer duration", "a reduced timeframe", or "a smaller time window". The best choice depends on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "a shorter time span" in formal writing?

It is appropriate in formal writing when discussing efficiency, project timelines, or experimental durations, particularly in scientific or business contexts. Make sure you're comparing it to something else.

What's the difference between "a shorter time span" and "a shorter time period"?

While similar, "a shorter time span" often implies a continuous duration, while "a shorter time period" might refer to a specific, defined segment of time. Context determines the best choice.