during downtime

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "during downtime" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to periods of time when a person or organization is not engaged in their usual activities. For example, "Employees often use their downtime in the office to catch up on emails."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Dafoe also enjoyed Abramović's "beautiful, dirty, piquant jokes" during downtime.

The New York Times

Even during downtime the pilot light was on high.

The New York Times - Arts

We used to talk a lot during downtime at the shop.

The New Yorker

Students also read the paper during downtime in class, allowing us to differentiate.

The New York Times

Judges will review the online submissions during downtime between live hearings.

The New York Times

In Iraq, you'd sometimes watch a movie during downtime, and the troops would cackle when they saw these big explosions.

The New Yorker

The breadth of the walruses' creativity exceeded all expectations, not only during training sessions but also during downtime.

The New York Times - Science

Mr. Thom says that having a financial safety net will help you feel more secure during downtime.

The New York Times

Initially conceived in Hong Kong, during downtime following a cancelled show in Japan, the band spent five days laying down ideas.

The Guardian - Music

He opened the animation school to fill in the gap during downtime, teaches nine classes a week and hopes to train animators to work in his studio.

The New York Times

Blomkamp later revealed that he had worked with Weaver on the project during downtime from Chappie, which features the former Ghostbusters star in a supporting role.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "during downtime" to clearly indicate periods when normal operations or activities are paused or reduced. This helps in providing context for actions or events that occur in these intervals.

Common error

Avoid using "during downtime" when referring to personal leisure or vacation time. "Downtime" typically implies a pause in scheduled activities or operations, not necessarily free time.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "during downtime" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate when an action occurs. As Ludwig AI explains, it specifies activities or events that take place during a period of inactivity or reduced activity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

8%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "during downtime" is a common and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to indicate when an activity or event occurs during a period of inactivity or reduced operation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is widely applicable and understood in various contexts. This phrase appears most frequently in "news & media", "science", and "wiki" sources, as it serves to provide temporal context. When using "during downtime", ensure it appropriately refers to pauses in scheduled activities and not simply personal free time. Consider alternatives like "in the lull" or "during breaks" to fine-tune the meaning. It's a versatile phrase that clearly defines when an event takes place relative to periods of operational inactivity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

during breaks

Implies scheduled or unscheduled pauses from work or other activities.

in idle periods

Highlights times when there is a lack of activity or purpose.

in the lull

Refers to a temporary pause or period of reduced activity.

in spare time

Refers to time that is free from work or duties.

during the hiatus

Emphasizes a temporary suspension or break.

in moments of inactivity

Emphasizes the state of being inactive at specific times.

in the gap

Focuses on the interval or space between activities.

during off-peak hours

Specifically refers to times when activity is lower than usual.

in the interim

Highlights a period between two events or activities.

in quiet spells

Refers to periods characterized by reduced noise or activity.

FAQs

How can I use "during downtime" in a sentence?

You can use "during downtime" to describe activities or events that happen when there is a pause or reduction in normal operations. For example, "Employees often complete training modules "during downtime"."

What are some alternatives to saying "during downtime"?

Alternatives include phrases like "in the lull", "in idle periods", or "during breaks", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "during downtime" in formal writing?

Yes, "during downtime" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a clear and concise way to refer to periods of inactivity or pauses in operation and can be used in professional and academic contexts.

What is the difference between "during downtime" and "during leisure"?

"During downtime" typically refers to a pause in scheduled operations or activities, whereas "during leisure" refers to time spent relaxing or engaging in enjoyable activities. The former is more about operational pauses, while the latter is about personal free time.