for a sufficient time

USAGE SUMMARY

I'm not sure what you mean by "valid in written English" but "for a sufficient time" is a grammatically correct phrase that can be used in written English.
Example: The defendant was held in custody for a sufficient time for the authorities to gather enough evidence against him.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

The report added: "All pilots should run for a sufficient time to allow a thorough testing on the aspects being piloted; normally, this will take two years".

The Guardian

In our earlier work we have shown that it is possible to reoxidize the STO substrate reduced during growth by annealing after deposition for a sufficient time at growth conditions for pressures ≥10−4 mbar (Fig. 3(b))21.

Nature

Thus, it is important to note that one of the most critical characteristics of DDS is its ability to maintain physiologic levels of rhBMP-2 within a limited space for a sufficient time to stimulate bone formation21.

Nature

As long as it stays 2 degrees warmer for a sufficient time, this is the end game," said David Wilson, a geologist at Imperial College London and one of the authors of the new research, which was published in Nature.

The Washington Post

Its success is therefore empirically associated with effective delivery of potent therapeutics to the target site at a therapeutic concentration, for a sufficient time, and in a biologically active form.

Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews

Although these hydrodynamic conditions are critical for all marine and hydraulic works along the Bosphorus, there was not continuous long-term measurement for a sufficient time span in the strait for detailed evaluation of the current climate.

Ocean Engineering

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

For a sufficient time-resolution, the gas phase composition was qualitatively analyzed by a non-calibrated mass spectrometer.

Chemistry Central Journal

In our analyses, we incorporated time-shifts in a range from 0.5 hours to six hours to allow for a sufficient time-delay for the regulation by the TF to exert an effect on the transcription of its target miRNA genes.

BMC Genomics

When feeding conditions are changed, a sufficient time for the adaptation of the fermentative microorganisms has to be allowed in both cases.

Energy, Sustainability and Society

This was a sufficient time for color development in the positive control wells, while the negative control wells remained colorless.

Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology

This can be explained by a sufficient time for diffusion/removal of the residual hydrogen from the buried interface.

Advanced Functional Materials

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "for a sufficient time", ensure that the context clearly indicates what constitutes 'sufficient'. Be specific where possible to avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of saying 'Leave the mixture for a sufficient time', specify 'Leave the mixture for 2 hours'.

Common error

A common mistake is to use "for a sufficient time" without clarifying why that duration is necessary. Always make sure the intended outcome is clear. For example, instead of just 'Heat the solution for a sufficient time', specify 'Heat the solution for a sufficient time to ensure complete dissolution'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for a sufficient time" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb. It indicates the duration or length of time that an action needs to be performed. Ludwig AI provides several examples where this phrase qualifies the time needed for a particular process to achieve its desired outcome.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

65%

News & Media

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "for a sufficient time" is a grammatically correct and commonly used adverbial phrase that specifies a duration adequate for a particular purpose. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples, demonstrating its application across diverse contexts such as science, news, and academia. While suitable for various registers, it is more frequently encountered in formal or scientific writing where precise expression of duration is critical. To ensure clarity, it's advisable to provide specific context or criteria to define what constitutes 'sufficient' in each instance. Alternatives like ""for an adequate period"" or ""long enough"" can be used depending on the desired tone and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for an adequate period

Replaces "sufficient" with "adequate", emphasizing suitability.

for a long enough duration

Emphasizes the length of the time period needed.

for a suitable length of time

Replaces "sufficient" with "suitable", focusing on appropriateness.

for a reasonable amount of time

Uses "reasonable" to suggest fairness and practicality in the duration.

long enough to

Condenses the phrase to a simpler, more direct expression focusing on the end result.

for the necessary duration

Highlights the necessity of the time period.

within the allotted timeframe

Implies a predetermined or assigned time period.

given the available time

Focuses on the time that is accessible or on hand.

for the established period

Refers to a time period that has been previously defined or agreed upon.

for the expected duration

Highlights that the duration matches the expectation.

FAQs

How can I use "for a sufficient time" in a sentence?

Use "for a sufficient time" to indicate that an action or process needs to continue long enough to achieve a specific result. For example, "The data must be collected "for a sufficient time" to draw meaningful conclusions."

What are some alternatives to "for a sufficient time"?

Alternatives include "for an adequate period", "for a long enough duration", or "for a reasonable amount of time". The best choice depends on the specific context and the desired nuance.

When is it best to use "for a sufficient time" versus "long enough"?

"For a sufficient time" is more formal and emphasizes that the duration is adequate for a specific purpose. "Long enough" is simpler and more general. Use "for a sufficient time" when precision and purpose are important, and "long enough" in more casual contexts.

Is "for a sufficient time" subjective, and how can I make it more precise?

Yes, "for a sufficient time" can be subjective. To make it more precise, specify the duration (e.g., "for 2 hours"), the criteria for sufficiency (e.g., "until the mixture boils"), or the expected outcome (e.g., "until the reaction is complete").