considerable time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "considerable time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a significant amount of time, usually longer than expected. For example, "We have spent a considerable time discussing the issue today."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He had already spent considerable time trying.

The New York Times

Advisory teams take considerable time to build.

The New Yorker

He went on for a considerable time.

The New Yorker

Which also takes considerable time.

The Guardian

It spends considerable time setting the scene.

The New York Times - Arts

This inevitably took some considerable time.

The Guardian

"This has taken a considerable time.

The Guardian

Considerable time is spent examining fundamentals.

The New York Times

Structured efforts take considerable time and financing.

The New York Times

Political delivery can take some considerable time.

The Guardian - Opinion

As it is, the latter takes considerable time.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "considerable time" when you want to emphasize that a significant amount of time is needed or was spent on something. For example: "The project required a "considerable time" investment from the team."

Common error

Avoid using "considerable time" when a shorter or more specific duration would be more appropriate. For example, instead of saying "It took a "considerable time" to walk to the store", use "It took an hour to walk to the store" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "considerable time" primarily functions as an adjectival modifier describing the noun "time". Ludwig AI examples show it quantifying time, emphasizing a significant duration required or spent. The phrase adds emphasis to the extent of time involved.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Encyclopedias

13%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "considerable time" is a versatile and commonly used expression to denote a significant duration. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appears frequently in diverse contexts, especially in News & Media, Encyclopedias and Science. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the intended emphasis and clarity of your writing. Be mindful of potential alternatives like ""significant duration"" or ""substantial period"" for more formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significant duration

Focuses on the length of time, emphasizing its importance.

substantial period

Similar to considerable, but slightly more formal.

lengthy timeframe

Highlights the extended nature of the duration.

extended duration

Emphasizes the prolonged nature of the time involved.

appreciable amount of time

Stresses the noticeable quantity of time.

protracted period

Suggests a time frame that is longer than desired or expected.

significant time investment

Highlights that time is being invested in something.

a good deal of time

More informal alternative.

notable duration

Emphasizes the noteworthy aspect of the time.

a long spell

Informal, suggesting a continuous period.

FAQs

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

You can use "considerable time" to indicate that a significant amount of time is required or has been spent on something. For example, "The research process took a "considerable time" to complete".

What's a more formal way to say "considerable time"?

A more formal alternative to "considerable time" is "substantial period" or "significant duration". These options maintain a professional tone in academic or business contexts.

When is it appropriate to use "considerable time"?

"Considerable time" is appropriate when you want to emphasize that a task or process requires a noteworthy amount of time, often more than initially expected. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

What are some alternatives to "considerable time" for informal writing?

For informal writing, you could use phrases like "a good deal of time" or "a long spell". These options convey a similar meaning in a more casual tone.