compressed time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "compressed time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where time is perceived to be shortened or condensed, often in the context of events occurring more quickly than usual. Example: "In the fast-paced world of technology, we often experience compressed time, where innovations seem to emerge overnight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

His worldview also compressed time.

The Guardian

Every year, technological advances compressed time and added more urgency to decision-making.

The New Yorker

"The legislation mandates numerous rule-makings in a very compressed time frame".

The New York Times

Every writer has compressed time and procedure, and used clarifying dialogue.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

And then there is the highly compressed time of child development, in which bonds can be made, or poisoned, in the same span of time.

The New York Times

Our compact half-term school holidays always concentrate the minds of UK families, offering rich potential for bonanza box-office over a highly compressed time period.

The Guardian - Film

The report gives a chronology of the events of 14 December which underlines the scale of violence that Lanza inflicted in a remarkably compressed time frame.

The Guardian

Mr. Rosen had asked for a speedy trial, putting pressure on federal prosecutors to build and argue their case in a far more compressed time frame than normal.

The New York Times

Mr. Scribner stayed close to the basic plot of the real case, but compressed time, zeroing in on the implications of both couples' pursuit of the American dream, which the Wolkoviaks believed their captive had achieved.

The New York Times

This particular image, packing a punch with its austere anguish and compressed time frame, recalled a deadly hurricane off the Grand Banks in which Marblehead lost half its fishing fleet.

The New York Times - Travel

In Ms. Saracho's compressed time frame the local drug mafia steadily tightens its grip over a few urgent days, compared with the fateful ebbing summer of "The Cherry Orchard".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ "compressed time" to illustrate how technological advancements have accelerated processes in various fields.

Common error

Avoid using "compressed time" when you actually mean "limited time". "Compressed time" implies that the time frame itself is being altered or perceived differently, not simply that there isn't much of it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "compressed time" functions as a noun phrase, often used as an adjective modifying another noun, such as "time frame" or "period". Ludwig AI confirms its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "compressed time" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase across diverse domains such as news, science, and business. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase effectively describes situations where events unfold within a shortened or accelerated timeframe. To enhance clarity, avoid confusing it with “limited time”, and use context-appropriate alternatives like “accelerated pace” or “condensed timeframe”. By adhering to best practices and sidestepping common pitfalls, you can leverage "compressed time" to convey urgency or efficiency in your writing with accuracy and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

condensed timeframe

Focuses on the reduction of the duration within which something must be completed.

tightened timeline

Implies a stricter, shorter schedule, shifting the focus to constraints rather than pure time compression.

accelerated timeline

Similar to "expedited schedule" but applicable in different fields where projects have phases with deadlines

shortened duration

Highlights the reduced length of time, differing in its direct focus on the temporal aspect.

expedited schedule

Refers to a faster progression of planned events, differing in its specific application to planned activities.

accelerated pace

Emphasizes the increased speed at which events are happening, contrasting with the time being shortened.

concentrated period

Highlights the clustering of events within a limited time frame.

accelerated rate

Focuses on speed, highlighting how quickly something is happening.

rapid succession

Indicates events following one another quickly, altering the emphasis from time to sequence.

intense period

Focuses on the high concentration of activity within a limited time, changing from the time itself to the volume of events.

FAQs

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

You can use "compressed time" to describe situations where events occur more rapidly or deadlines are tighter than usual. For example: "The project was completed in a "compressed time" frame".

What is an alternative to using "compressed time"?

Alternatives include "accelerated pace", "condensed timeframe", or "shortened duration" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "in a compressed time" or "in a compressed timeframe"?

While both are acceptable, "in a "compressed timeframe"" is more common and specific. "In a "compressed time"" can be used but might sound less precise.

What's the difference between "compressed time" and "limited time"?

"Compressed time" implies the perception or experience of time being shortened or accelerated. "Limited time" simply means there is not much time available. They are not interchangeable in all contexts.