a small period

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small period" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a brief duration of time or a short interval in various contexts. Example: "The meeting will last for a small period, so please be prepared to discuss the main points quickly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"All this represents a small period of absence.

The New York Times

Apart from a small period in the second half we did not suffer from Spain's ball possession".

The Guardian - Sport

Amanda [Abbington, his partner] says there was a small period when she felt that I believed it a bit.

The Guardian

"It's like a storm for a small period of time, and there's another story coming," Mattingly said.

The New York Times - Sports

"I'm amazed at the continual level of discovery coming from pictures made in such a small period of time".

The New York Times - Arts

I don't know how much he was willing to… I mean, there was a small period where he was getting help but then he really avoided it.

The New Yorker

Performed by a small period string ensemble and a cast of early-music stars, it offered transparent textures, stylish ornamentation and brisk but well judged tempos.

The New York Times - Arts

"Stream rises are the main concern, not necessarily flooding with large volumes of rain in a small period of time," he told the Nine Network on Monday.

The Guardian

Almost all the training undertaken by G4S recruits involves computer simulations, with only a small period set aside to work on the machines themselves.

The Guardian

"I read Carrie Brownstein's book [of Sleater-Kinney], the new Patti Smith book and [music critic] Jessica Hopper's book all in a small period of time and felt really inspired and empowered in life".

The Guardian - Music

I have a lot of friends and family, but rather than going from a combat environment, straight back to my block in suburban America, I'd prefer a small period of complete privacy, surrounded only by the elements.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing events or processes, use "a small period" to indicate that the duration is relatively short, providing context for the speed or intensity of what's occurring.

Common error

Avoid using "a small period" when the duration is actually insignificant to the context. Ensure the brevity is relevant to the point you're making.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small period" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as an adverbial modifier to describe the duration of an action or state. Ludwig examples confirm its usage in various sentence structures to indicate a limited timeframe.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a small period" is a common and versatile phrase used to denote a brief duration of time. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and applicable in various contexts, particularly in news, science, and academic writing. While alternatives like "a brief duration" or "a short interval" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Be mindful of overstating the significance of the duration and ensure the brevity is relevant to your context. Ludwig's examples showcase the phrase's widespread use and adaptability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a brief duration

Focuses on the length of time, emphasizing its brevity.

a short interval

Highlights the gap or space between two points in time.

a limited time frame

Emphasizes the constraints or boundaries of the time.

a narrow window

Implies a limited opportunity within a specific timeframe.

a fleeting moment

Conveys the quick and transient nature of the time.

a temporary phase

Suggests a passing stage or condition lasting a short while.

a concise span

Highlights the brevity and compactness of the time.

a fractional measure of time

Presents the duration as a tiny fraction of total time.

a short burst

Implies a sudden, brief occurrence or activity.

a momentary lapse

Focuses on a brief interruption or pause in something.

FAQs

How can I use "a small period" in a sentence?

You can use "a small period" to describe a brief duration or interval, as in "The project experienced a delay for "a small period" due to unforeseen circumstances."

What can I say instead of "a small period"?

Alternatives include "a brief duration", "a short interval", or "a limited time frame" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "a small period" or "a short period"?

Both "a small period" and "a short period" are grammatically correct and largely interchangeable, though "a short period" may be slightly more common.

What's the difference between "a small period" and "a momentary lapse"?

"A small period" generally refers to a brief duration of time, while "a momentary lapse" often implies a brief interruption or failure, focusing more on the event than the time itself.