elapsed time

USAGE SUMMARY

"elapsed time" is a grammatically correct phrase that is commonly used in both spoken and written English.
You can use it to refer to the amount of time that has passed between two events. For example: "We had to complete the project within six days; however, due to unforeseen circumstances, the elapsed time was closer to eight days."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Remember, the equation for elapsed time is Elapsed Time = Final Time - Initial Time.

WikiHow

The equation for elapsed time is Elapsed Time = Final Time - Initial Time.

WikiHow

Electric timing equipment measures elapsed time to 0.01 second.

Britannica

Results for both examples: Our elapsed time equation would be: Elapsed Time = 13:79:70 - 01 30 30.

WikiHow

Elapsed time- one day.

The New York Times

Elapsed time- one hour.

The New York Times

Elapsed time: an hour and a half.

The New York Times

Elapsed time, five days, a considerable saving.

The New Yorker

The performance metrics include elapsed time, speedup, scalability, and stability.

Journal of Manufacturing Systems

Elapsed time between meal consumption and task initiation was ∼30 min, and elapsed time between completing the Hunger Scales and task initiation was ∼10 min.

Nature

Elapsed time, Union Square to Beacon Street: 5 hours 25 minutes.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a process or experiment, use "elapsed time" to clearly indicate the duration between the start and end points. This is especially important in scientific or technical writing.

Common error

Avoid using "elapsed time" when simply referring to the current time or a point in time. "Elapsed time" specifically denotes a duration, not a moment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "elapsed time" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject or object in a sentence. As Ludwig AI explains, it indicates the duration between two points in time. Examples show its use in various contexts, from scientific measurements to sports.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

33%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "elapsed time" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to denote the duration between a start and end time. As Ludwig AI confirms, its function is to measure and communicate a specific duration. Its usage spans multiple contexts, with emphasis in science and news. While alternatives like "time span" or "duration" exist, "elapsed time" is precise and versatile. To ensure correct usage, remember that it refers to a duration, not a specific point in time.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

time elapsed

Switches the word order while keeping same meaning.

time interval

Highlights a specific segment of time.

time span

Emphasizes the interval between a starting and ending point.

timeframe

Refers to a specific period within which events occur.

interval

Highlights the space between two events in time.

duration

Focuses on the length of time something lasts.

length of time

Focuses on how long something takes.

period of time

A general way to refer to a certain duration.

passage of time

Focuses on the progression of time.

running time

Commonly used to define how long something such as a movie lasts.

FAQs

How is "elapsed time" calculated?

The "elapsed time" is calculated by subtracting the start time from the end time. The formula is: Elapsed Time = Final Time - Initial Time.

What are common contexts for using "elapsed time"?

The phrase "elapsed time" is often used in scientific experiments, sports, project management, and anywhere the measurement of duration is important. For example, calculating the duration of a chemical reaction or the running time of a program.

Can I use "time elapsed" instead of "elapsed time"?

Yes, "time elapsed" is a valid alternative to "elapsed time". The meaning remains the same, though the word order is reversed.

What's the difference between "elapsed time" and "real time"?

Elapsed time refers to a duration or interval, while "real time" means something happening instantaneously or without delay. They are not interchangeable.