fragmentary time

USAGE SUMMARY

"fragmentary time" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a period of time in which it is divided up into distinct, disconnected segments. For example, you could say "My life has seemed like a fragmentary time lately, with no feeling of continuity."

✓ Grammatically correct

Geomorphology

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

We illustrate that magnitude estimates derived from tree-ring data and semi-empirical equations represent a valuable contribution to the documentation and understanding of hydrogeomorphic processes and that they can complement fragmentary time series in small watersheds for periods covering decades up to centuries.

Geomorphology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Mr. Dietz parcels out the details of how Red lost his hand, where Lois was headed on that plane and more, but in a fragmentary, time-jumping fashion.

The New York Times

Between Elvis and the Beatles The hit records of Anthony Newley, strewn around that corner where the 1950s turned into the 1960s were a curious mix from fragmentary times, post-Elvis, pre-Beatles.

The Guardian

At around the same time, fragmentary and incomplete artworks became worthy of consideration in their own right.

The Guardian - Arts

His later work, notably the novel Tender Is the Night, with its loose, fragmentary structure, modernist time shifts and streams of consciousness, and the autobiographical story "The Crack Up" have a pathos and complexity unlike anything in McInerney.

The Guardian - Books

…It's become more fragmentary the more time we've spent here.

BMC Medical Education

(Male, Year 4, 2009) …It's become more fragmentary the more time we've spent here.

BMC Medical Education

Furthermore the information on the occurrence of clinical scrapie is in general often fragmentary before that time.

Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica

For phase 2, information from the scientific literature and cohort studies conducted previously were too fragmentary at the time of study design to allow us to estimate correctly the probability of state changes.

BMC Psychiatry

Reports in the chronicles often amount to no more than a line or two, and other sources are fragmentary and at times unreliably embellished.

Britannica

The acquisition of information was difficult and, in some countries, the information we could ascertain was fragmentary and, at times, conflicting so we recognize that we may not have managed to capture some recent changes.

BMC Public Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fragmentary time" to describe periods marked by interruptions, incompleteness, or a lack of continuity. This phrase is best suited for formal writing or specialized contexts where precision is valued.

Common error

Avoid using "fragmentary time" when you mean "fleeting time". "Fragmentary" describes something broken or incomplete, while "fleeting" describes something that passes quickly. If you want to express that something is short lived, use the phrase "fleeting time".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fragmentary time" functions as an adjective-noun combination, where "fragmentary" modifies the noun "time". This usage describes time that is broken, incomplete, or disconnected. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

28%

News & Media

26%

Academia

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

14%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fragmentary time" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe periods marked by incompleteness or disconnection. Ludwig confirms that it is appropriate for written English. While the phrase is found in a variety of contexts, including science, news, academia and encyclopedias, it is most suitable for formal or specialized writing where precise language is needed. When using "fragmentary time", remember that it emphasizes the disjointed nature of time, distinguishing it from concepts like fleeting or intermittent time. As Ludwig suggests, consider using alternative phrases like "disjointed time" or "intermittent time" to achieve nuances in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intermittent time

Replaces "fragmentary" with "intermittent", focusing on the on-and-off nature of the time period.

broken time

Uses "broken" to emphasize the disrupted or discontinuous aspect of the time period.

disjointed time

Highlights the lack of connection or coherence within the time period.

disconnected time

Similar to "disjointed time", but emphasizes the absence of a link between different moments.

incomplete time

Focuses on the idea that the time period is not fully realized or whole.

patchwork time

Uses a metaphor to suggest a time period composed of disparate and unrelated pieces.

segmented time

Emphasizes the division of time into distinct and separate segments.

sporadic time

Suggests that the time occurs irregularly and infrequently.

piecemeal time

Implies that time is experienced in small, incremental portions.

erratic time

Focuses on the unpredictable and inconsistent nature of the time period.

FAQs

How can I use "fragmentary time" in a sentence?

You can use "fragmentary time" to describe a period characterized by interruptions, incompleteness, or a lack of coherence. For example, "The historical records of that era offer only a "fragmentary time"line of events".

What is a good alternative to "fragmentary time"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases such as "intermittent time", "disjointed time", or "segmented time" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "fragmented time" the same as "fragmentary time"?

While similar, "fragmented time" emphasizes the act of breaking into fragments, while "fragmentary time" emphasizes the state of being incomplete or composed of fragments. The choice depends on whether you want to focus on the process or the result.

When is it appropriate to use "fragmentary time" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "fragmentary time" in academic, scientific, or historical contexts where describing incomplete or disjointed periods is necessary. It is less suitable for informal or casual writing.