greater span of time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "greater span of time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing durations or periods that are longer than usual or compared to another time frame. Example: "The project will require a greater span of time than we initially anticipated due to unforeseen challenges."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mr Clark suggests that family history has large effects that persist for much greater spans of time.

The Economist

In the great span of time during which the Roman Republic and Empire existed, there were many phases of legalistic development.

Britannica

However, feeling suspense upon repeated viewings after a great span of time is an altogether different phenomenon.

SEP

A precise diary, which need not cover a great span of time, may help your doctor understand your problem.

WikiHow

The two forms are separated by a great geographic distance and by a large span of time.

Encyclopedia Britannica

His alert and poised camera captures, with seeming hypersensitivity, deep and hidden harmonies running through great spans of time.

The New Yorker

These expectations and assumptions are ill suited to the LMP, during which the poorly sampled archaeological record exhibits substantial technological variability across great spans of time and space, the sparse chronometric record is of limited accuracy and precision, and significant variability in the ancient DNA and hominin fossil records defy simple taxonomic attributions (23, 24).

Science Magazine

It is these holistic integrating energy patterns that have taken a few billion years to evolve and transform the biosphere as a living interdependent whole that seeks a harmoniously patterned energy balance over great spans of time.

Communicative and Integrative Biology

I like to think in large spans of time.

The New York Times

A greater span of control could expose companies to greater risk, cautioned Kropp of Corporate Executive Board.

The Washington Post

[Following the history to 2015] gave me a 60-year span, which is a neat, somewhat manageable span of time.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing durations, use "greater span of time" to clearly indicate one period is longer than another. For instance, "The research project required a "greater span of time" than initially anticipated."

Common error

Avoid using "greater span of time" when a simpler term like "longer" or "extended" suffices. Overusing the phrase can make writing sound unnecessarily complex. Use it when you want to emphasize the significance of the length of time involved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "greater span of time" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as an adverbial modifier to indicate the duration or length of an event, process, or activity. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Missing

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "greater span of time" is a grammatically correct and usable noun phrase, primarily functioning to specify or emphasize the duration of an event or activity. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it’s suitable for a variety of contexts, though it is best used in more formal settings. Related phrases include "longer time frame" and "extended duration". When writing, it's best to reserve this phrase for situations where emphasizing the magnitude of the duration is important, rather than simply needing to indicate that something took longer. Due to the limited number of examples, it's important to consult various sources to understand usage patterns.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

longer time frame

Focuses on the frame or boundary of the time period, implying a defined start and end.

extended duration

Emphasizes the length of time something lasts, highlighting its prolonged nature.

prolonged period

Similar to extended duration, but can apply to events or conditions that last a significant amount of time.

lengthy interval

Highlights the distance between two points in time, emphasizing the duration.

significant timeframe

Emphasizes the importance or impact of the duration, rather than just its length.

considerable time period

Highlights the notability of the duration's length.

appreciable amount of time

Stresses the time's value in the specific context.

substantial duration

Implies that the period or event's length is significant or important.

extensive lapse of time

Draws attention to the gap and passing of events within that period.

longer stretch of time

Emphasizes continuity through the duration without hard stops.

FAQs

How can I use "greater span of time" in a sentence?

You can use "greater span of time" to compare the duration of two different events or activities, such as, "Completing the second phase required a "greater span of time" than the initial phase".

What phrases are similar to "greater span of time"?

Alternatives include "longer time frame", "extended duration", or "prolonged period", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "greater span of time" formal or informal?

"Greater span of time" is generally considered a neutral to formal expression. For more informal contexts, you might opt for alternatives like "longer time" or "more time".

What's the difference between "greater span of time" and "longer period of time"?

While similar, "greater span of time" often implies a comparative aspect, suggesting one duration is significantly longer than another. "Longer period of time" is a more general statement about duration. For example, "The project took a "longer period of time" than expected, indicating that a "greater span of time" may be needed for similar tasks in the future".