extended periods

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "extended periods" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe durations of time that are longer than usual or expected. Example: "The project requires focus and dedication over extended periods to ensure its success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

We've had extended periods of drought".

The Guardian - Opinion

He spent extended periods living with them.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Anthrax spores can remain in the lungs for extended periods.

The New York Times

"I don't like it for extended periods of time.

The New York Times - Sports

In extended periods of downtime, she might make bread.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

we sat there for extended periods as well.

The New Yorker

Fischer himself is away from Budapest for extended periods.

The New Yorker

Often, these homes sit in the pipeline for extended periods.

The New York Times

Drought results when these ridges persist for extended periods.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He gets into the moment for… extended periods.

Independent

Two closers (Tom Gordon and Brett Myers) were lost for extended periods.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an action or state that continues for a significant amount of time, use "extended periods" to emphasize the duration. For instance: "The study participants were monitored for extended periods to observe long-term effects."

Common error

Avoid using redundant adjectives before "extended periods". Phrases like "very extended periods" can be repetitive. Instead, rely on the inherent meaning of "extended" to convey the length of time.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "extended periods" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as an adverbial modifier to specify the duration of an action or state. Ludwig examples show it is frequently used to indicate a significant length of time. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "extended periods" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that specifies durations longer than usual. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable in written English to describe durations of time that are longer than usual or expected. As showcased by Ludwig's examples, this phrase is versatile, fitting various contexts from news reporting to scientific discussions. While generally neutral, it is best to avoid redundancy by not adding unnecessary adjectives like 'very'. Instead of "extended periods", consider alternatives such as "prolonged durations" or "lengthy intervals" based on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prolonged durations

Emphasizes the length of the duration being longer than average or expected.

lengthy intervals

Highlights the separation between occurrences over a significant timeframe.

protracted spells

Implies a continuous and sometimes undesirable period of time.

long stretches

Focuses on the unbroken continuity of a period, often in a spatial or abstract sense.

drawn-out phases

Suggests a gradual and perhaps tedious progression through a series of events.

sustained periods

Underscores the continuous and maintained nature of the time frame.

considerable lengths of time

Highlights the substantial amount of time involved.

extended timeframes

Emphasizes the established boundaries within which events occur over a long duration.

lasting durations

Focuses on the enduring quality of the time period.

long-term intervals

Emphasizes that the time between occurrences is spread out over the long term.

FAQs

How can I use "extended periods" in a sentence?

You can use "extended periods" to describe durations of time that are longer than usual or expected. For example: "The company experienced significant growth over "extended periods" of economic stability."

What are some alternatives to using "extended periods"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "prolonged durations", "lengthy intervals", or "long stretches".

Is it correct to say "for very extended periods"?

While not grammatically incorrect, adding "very" before "extended periods" can be redundant. The term "extended" already implies a considerable length of time, so ""extended periods"" alone is usually sufficient.

What is the difference between "extended periods" and "short periods"?

"Extended periods" refers to long durations, while "short periods" refers to brief durations. The choice depends on the specific timeframe you want to emphasize in your writing.