for the duration

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for the duration" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the entire length or amount of time something takes. For example, "I will be away from home for the duration of my work trip."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I'm there for the duration.

The New York Times

I'm in for the duration.

The New York Times

Not just overnight, but for the duration.

The New York Times

Swords have been frozen for the duration.

The New Yorker

"Now we're here for the duration".

The New Yorker

"I want these stored for the duration".

The New Yorker

But Vinny is here for the duration.

The New York Times - Sports

"We'll be out here every Saturday for the duration.

The New York Times - Arts

"We're surmising he was there for the duration".

The New York Times

They will be sequestered for the duration of the trial.

The New York Times

Sometimes families would sleep there for the duration.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "for the duration" to clearly indicate that something will continue for the entire length of a specific period or event. For example, "They will be sequestered for the duration of the trial."

Common error

Avoid using "for the duration" when you mean "temporarily" or "for the time being". "For the duration" implies the entire length of something, not just a portion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for the duration" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun, indicating the time frame for which an action, state, or condition is valid or in effect. Ludwig shows many examples from varied sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Huffington Post

24%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Vice

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "for the duration" is a versatile and frequently used prepositional phrase that precisely specifies the length of an event or activity. According to Ludwig's AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and used to indicate that something will last for the entire length of a defined period. It commonly appears in news articles, scientific publications, and general writing. To enhance clarity and precision in your writing, use "for the duration" when conveying a clear understanding of temporal scope. Remember to choose the appropriate alternatives if a simpler or more specific expression is required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

throughout the period

Replaces "for the duration" with a focus on the entire period of time.

for the entirety

Emphasizes the completeness of the time period.

during the course of

Offers a more formal way to express "for the duration".

for the span of

Highlights the measured extent of time.

through the whole time

Provides a simpler and more direct alternative.

over the period of

Similar to "during the course of" but slightly less formal.

for the time being

Refers to the immediate or present time period, not necessarily the entire duration.

while it lasts

Implies a condition that something might not last indefinitely.

for the interval

Focuses on the gap or space of time.

throughout the term

Implies a defined period, such as a school term or contract.

FAQs

How do I use "for the duration" in a sentence?

Use "for the duration" to specify that something happens or remains the same throughout a particular period. For example, "Office space is free "for the duration" of the STDT."

What are some alternatives to "for the duration"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases such as "throughout the period", "for the entirety", or "during the course of" instead of "for the duration".

Is it correct to say "during the duration" instead of "for the duration"?

While "during" and "for" can sometimes be interchangeable, "for the duration" is the more common and idiomatic way to express that something lasts throughout a specific time period. "During the duration" can sound redundant.

What does "for the duration" imply about the period being discussed?

"For the duration" implies that something will continue or remain constant throughout the entire length of the stated period, from beginning to end. It suggests a commitment or state that persists "throughout the term", event, or situation.