disproportionate time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "disproportionate time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where the amount of time spent on something is not in proportion to its importance or value. Example: "The project took a disproportionate time to complete compared to the initial estimates provided."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Don't let their claims occupy disproportionate time and management attention.

Harvard Business Review

Disproportionate time and attention were being devoted to superficial aspects of the stewardess job while more basic functions were slighted.

Harvard Business Review

Loughton argued that a disproportionate time was taken up by Brittan and Bramall's cases due to their high-profile status, which had undermined confidence in the force.

The Guardian

In the past few years Ms Nooyi has spent disproportionate time and effort on promoting products that Pepsi calls "good for you" (oatmeal, fruit juices and sports drinks), which make up about 20% of its sales.

The Economist

But "CrazySexyCool" — which takes its name from TLC's second album — pinballs from one eruption to the next, giving over disproportionate time to the group's myriad financial squabbles with its label and management.

The New York Times - Arts

Despite the disproportionate time and resources spent by U.S. immigration officials to control Chinese immigration, many Chinese migrated across the borders from Canada and Mexico or used fraudulent identities to enter the country.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

The enrichment of X for female-biased genes, then, may well be a straightforward outcome of this disproportionate time-sharing arrangement (Meisel et al. 2012).

Genome Biology and Evolution

The BBC is one such culprit, having repeatedly given climate contrarians disproportionate air time on its programs.

The Guardian

And he gives disproportionate stage time to minor characters -- like the young sailor Pip (Marsha Stephanie Blake) -- who make dramatizable sparks when they strike up against the flinty Ahab.

The New York Times

IASP defines CRPS as a syndrome characterized by a continuing (spontaneous and/or evoked) regional pain that is seemingly disproportionate in time or degree to the usual course of pain after trauma or other lesion.

BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation

This might result in disproportionate delay times for long words to be articulated (Kawamoto & Kello, 1999; Plaut, 1999).

Cognitive Psychology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "disproportionate time", ensure that the context clearly indicates what the time allocation is being compared to. For example, specify the ideal or expected time allocation for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "disproportionate time" without explaining why the time allocation is considered disproportionate. Provide context to justify the assessment, such as comparing it to expected timelines, resource availability, or the importance of the task.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "disproportionate time" functions primarily as a noun modifier, describing the quantity of time being allocated. Ludwig examples show it qualifying activities or tasks that consume an unreasonable amount of time. According to Ludwig, the phrase is considered grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

31%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Reference

4%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "disproportionate time" is a grammatically correct and usable English phrase that indicates an unreasonable amount of time spent on a particular task or activity. Ludwig's analysis reveals that the phrase is most commonly used in news and media, scientific, and formal business contexts. When using "disproportionate time", it's best to provide clear context about what the time allocation is being compared to, to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "excessive time commitment" or "undue time spent" can be used for variety. Overall, the phrase effectively communicates an imbalance in time allocation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

excessive time commitment

Focuses on the commitment aspect while highlighting that it is too much.

inordinate amount of time

Emphasizes the excessive and unreasonable quantity of time.

undue time spent

Highlights that the time spent is not justified or appropriate.

disproportionate amount of attention

Shifts the focus from time itself to the attention being given, implying that time is being consumed.

unjustified time allocation

Emphasizes the lack of reason or fairness in how time is allocated.

inefficient use of time

Highlights the ineffectiveness and wastefulness of the time usage.

lopsided time investment

Uses 'lopsided' to suggest an imbalance in the time invested.

unbalanced time distribution

Focuses on the unequal distribution of time across different tasks or areas.

skewed time allocation

Uses 'skewed' to imply a distortion in the time allocation process.

excessive duration

Focuses specifically on the length of time being too long.

FAQs

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

You can use "disproportionate time" to describe situations where too much time is spent on something relative to its importance. For instance, "The project took a "disproportionate time" to complete compared to the initial estimates."

What are some alternatives to saying "disproportionate time"?

Alternatives include phrases like "excessive time commitment", "undue time spent", or "inordinate amount of time" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does "disproportionate time" actually mean?

"Disproportionate time" refers to an amount of time spent on something that is unreasonably large or out of balance compared to what is typical, expected, or justified.

Is it better to say "disproportionate amount of time" or "disproportionate time"?

Both "disproportionate amount of time" and "disproportionate time" are acceptable. The choice depends on the context and desired emphasis. "Disproportionate amount of time" is more explicit, while "disproportionate time" is more concise and often preferred in formal writing.