a useful time

USAGE SUMMARY

'a useful time' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a period of time during which an activity is productive or beneficial. For example: "I spent a useful time studying for my upcoming exam."

✓ Grammatically correct

Insights into Imaging

The New Yorker

The Guardian

The New York Times

The Economist

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

This finding may indicate that clinicians who are happy with the waiting time for investigations receive results within a useful time frame, so that these results can be used to treat patients.

Insights into Imaging

But Murphy's adaptation is a useful time machine.

The New Yorker

The interview process is a useful time to do this.

The Guardian

That means it fertilises crops at a useful time, but doesn't compete with them for light, nutrients or water.

The Guardian

There will not be a better opportunity with any other conceivable team within a useful time frame.

The New York Times

The arrest comes at a useful time for the government, which is facing war-weariness at home.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

Ambiguity function (AF) is also a useful time-frequency tool to analyze ISI and ICI which provides us to observe pulse spread both in time and frequency due to the channel effects [10, 11].

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

A Useful Time-Out Q.

The New York Times

When Ridley Scott plucked her from an off-off-Broadway stage and jabbed a camera in her face, she consoled herself with the thought that it would be a useful time-filler until she started at the Guthrie.

The Guardian - Film

The hyperglycaemia index – calculated as the area between the curve and the hyperglycaemia threshold divided by time – seems to be a useful time-weighted indicator for hyperglycaemia.

Critical Care

It can analyse entire human genomes in days and can produce sequences at a sub-genomic level in a clinically useful time frame.

British Journal of Cancer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a useful time" when you want to emphasize that a particular period offers benefits, opportunities, or the chance for productive activity. For example, "The training program provided a useful time for skill development."

Common error

Avoid using "a useful time" when referring to a specific point in time rather than a duration. Instead, consider alternatives like "an opportune moment" or "a convenient time".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a useful time" functions as a noun phrase, where "useful" modifies the noun "time". Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It generally describes a period considered advantageous or productive.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a useful time" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a period considered beneficial or productive. Ludwig AI confirms this, providing numerous examples from reputable sources. It functions as a noun phrase, characterizing a duration as advantageous for achieving specific goals. While suitable for various contexts, it's essential to distinguish it from similar phrases like "a good time", which denotes enjoyment rather than productivity. When aiming to convey the idea of productivity or benefit within a specific timeframe, "a useful time" serves as a versatile and appropriate choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a valuable time

Replaces "useful" with a stronger emphasis on the worth or importance of the time period.

a productive period

Focuses on the output or results achieved during the time.

a beneficial phase

Highlights the advantages or positive effects of the time period.

an opportune moment

Emphasizes the suitability and favorable circumstances of the time.

a strategic window

Suggests a limited timeframe that offers a key advantage.

a prime opportunity

Stresses the excellent chance or possibility available during the time.

a golden opportunity

Highlights an exceptional or rare opportunity.

a precious window

Emphasizes the limited and highly valued nature of time.

a helpful moment

Replaces useful with a more basic synonym.

a practical duration

Focuses on the reasonable and realistic length of the time period.

FAQs

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

You can use "a useful time" to describe a period when something productive or beneficial occurs. For example, "The conference provided "a useful time" for networking with industry professionals."

What are some alternatives to saying "a useful time"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a valuable time", "a productive period", or "an opportune moment".

Is it better to say "a useful time" or "a helpful time"?

Both "a useful time" and "a helpful time" are grammatically correct, but "a useful time" is generally preferred when emphasizing productivity and opportunity, while "a helpful time" might be used when referring to a moment that provides assistance or support. The best choice depends on the specific context.

What is the difference between "a useful time" and "a good time"?

"A useful time" refers to a period where something productive or beneficial happens, while "a good time" typically refers to a period of enjoyment or pleasure.