chunk of time

USAGE SUMMARY

"chunk of time" is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English.
It is generally used to refer to a moment or period of time that stands out as distinct or important. For example, "I spent an entire chunk of time trying to figure out the answer to that math problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

That took a big chunk of time.

The Guardian

The biggest chunk of time is taken up by chores.

The New York Times

But not as a continuous chunk of time.

The Guardian

Yes, you're going to be out for a chunk of time.

The New York Times

Any little setback will be a pretty large chunk of time.

The New York Times - Sports

I wanted to do something that would span a bigger chunk of time.

The New York Times

"There is always a good chunk of time during the evening where she is taking photos".

The New York Times

Many of them spend a large chunk of time discussing how they envisage their future.

The Guardian - Opinion

"The summer period is a chunk of time, and it's like a black box.

The New York Times

Aren't there better things to do with such a huge chunk of time?

The New York Times - Sports

Some days, it's the only chunk of time that I really have to myself.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "chunk of time" to emphasize a notable or significant period within a larger timeframe. It's more impactful than simply saying "some time."

Common error

While acceptable, repeatedly using "chunk of time" in formal documents can sound informal. Vary your language by using synonyms like "period", "duration", or "interval" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "chunk of time" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as an object or complement in a sentence. It denotes a specific, often considerable, duration. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is generally used to refer to a moment or period of time that stands out as distinct or important.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Wiki

7%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "chunk of time" is a common and acceptable way to describe a notable duration, as validated by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in news and media, it functions as a noun phrase, typically used to quantify or emphasize a period. While grammatically sound, it leans toward informal and should be used judiciously in formal writing, where alternatives such as "period" or "duration" might be more appropriate. Consider it as a useful way to describe a significant portion of your day, an era, or how long it takes to assemble a triple axis tourbillon.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

period of time

Refers to a specified or considerable duration.

duration

Implies the length of time something lasts.

timeframe

Indicates a specific period within which events occur.

stretch of time

Suggests a continuous or extended duration.

spell

Signifies a short period of time, often associated with a specific activity or condition.

interval

Highlights a period between two points in time.

phase

Denotes a specific stage within a longer process or period.

session

Indicates a dedicated period for a particular activity.

segment of time

Divides time into distinct portions.

block of time

Emphasizes time allocated for a purpose.

FAQs

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

You can use "chunk of time" to describe a significant period dedicated to an activity, like "I spent a large "chunk of time" preparing for the presentation."

What are some alternatives to "chunk of time"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "period of time", "duration", or "timeframe" to express the same idea.

Is "chunk of time" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "chunk of time" is generally considered informal. For formal writing, consider more professional alternatives like "interval" or "duration".

What's the difference between "chunk of time" and "period of time"?

"Chunk of time" often implies a noticeable or significant duration, while "period of time" is a more neutral and general term for any length of time.