finite amount of time

USAGE SUMMARY

"finite amount of time" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to an interval that is limited or restricted in size or amount. For example: "Due to the finite amount of time available, we only had five days to finish the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

You can't just hire smart people and expect that every possible good idea will be discovered in a finite amount of time.

University of California, Berkeley

"There's a finite amount of time.

The New York Times

They take some finite amount of time.

Cornell University

"So there is a finite amount of time," he said.

The New York Times

There's a finite amount of time you're going to be doing this.

The New York Times

There's such a finite amount of time, you've got to really go for it.

The Guardian

In other words, new quangos would only be set up for a finite amount of time.

The Guardian

This local increase in thickness and flow propagates down-glacier, taking some finite amount of time.

Britannica

She likes jigsaws because they can be assembled neatly in a finite amount of time.

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

You're older and wiser, and there is a finite amount of time in one life.

The New York Times

As foci formation takes a finite amount of time, this assay was not able to assess the initial number of DSBs.

EMBO Reports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When emphasizing resource constraints alongside time, use "finite amount of time and resources" to highlight the dual limitation.

Common error

Avoid using "finite amount of time" when you actually mean an unlimited or never-ending duration. "Finite" indicates a clear boundary, while "infinite" suggests limitlessness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "finite amount of time" functions primarily as a noun phrase that modifies another noun, often to specify a constraint or limitation. This is supported by Ludwig's examples, which show its use in diverse contexts to indicate time limitations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

23%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "finite amount of time" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that serves to highlight a limitation on temporal resources. According to Ludwig, it is most frequently used in news, academic, and scientific contexts. When writing, it's important to consider whether simpler alternatives like "limited time" would be more appropriate for informal settings. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively conveys the concept of a bounded duration. Understanding how "finite amount of time" is used can improve your writing, ensuring it aligns with the appropriate register and effectively communicates your intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

limited time

Focuses directly on the temporal constraint, omitting the word amount.

restricted duration

Emphasizes the temporal aspect and formality.

limited period

Similar to limited time, but could imply the time is more formally defined.

fixed timeframe

Indicates a set, often predetermined, duration.

definite duration

Highlights certainty and completeness of the duration, less commonly used.

specific interval

Implies a particular, measurable duration.

certain span

Suggests a range or duration that is known.

predetermined time

Highlights the time was decided beforehand.

prescribed duration

Emphasizes the duration has been set by authority or rule.

allotted time

Focuses on the allocation of a certain duration.

FAQs

How can I use "finite amount of time" in a sentence?

You can use "finite amount of time" to describe situations where time is limited, such as, "Given the "finite amount of time" we have, we need to prioritize tasks carefully."

What phrases are similar to "finite amount of time"?

Similar phrases include "limited time", "restricted duration", or "fixed timeframe". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it more formal to say "finite amount of time" or "limited time"?

"Finite amount of time" is slightly more formal and precise, while "limited time" is more commonly used in everyday conversation. Choose based on your audience and purpose.

What does it mean to say something can't be solved in a "finite amount of time"?

It means that, practically speaking, the problem is unsolvable, because it would require an unreasonably long, or even infinite, duration to find a solution.