in little time

USAGE SUMMARY

"in little time" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means "within a short period of time." Example: "With determination and hard work, she was able to achieve her goals in little time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

"Gin," she told him in little time.

The New York Times - Food

He predicted that the new toilet would deteriorate in little time.

The New York Times

In little time, I had introduced myself, made her laugh and complimented her.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The inverse is also true: Home can sink its roots in little time, as if in a revelation.

The New York Times

In little time here the pair both fell lbw to Yasir, whose bouncing, driving brand of wrist-spin is one of the key ingredients in this mouthwatering encounter.

The Guardian - Sport

Indeed, Olli Rehn, the E.U. commissioner for economic and monetary affairs, recently lauded Italy's efforts to bring its debt under control, hailing the Italian leader for having "achieved many goals in little time".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

Put in a little time before you go in and speak to him or her.

WikiHow

Put in a little time and effort now, to save big headaches later.

Huffington Post

Aidan progressed years in terms of communication in the little time he has spent there.

Huffington Post

Never in history has a single generation squandered so much wealth in so little time.

Huffington Post

It's quite the opposite, in fact — a nonstop frenetic pace of too much to do in too little time.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in little time" when you want to emphasize that something happens or is completed quickly, especially when the speed is notable or surprising. It suggests efficiency or rapid progress.

Common error

Avoid using "in little time" excessively in your writing. While grammatically correct, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your vocabulary by using synonyms like "quickly", "soon", or "rapidly" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in little time" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to describe the speed or duration of an action. Ludwig's examples show it indicating efficiency or rapid completion, similar to adverbs like 'quickly' or 'soon'.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

32%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "in little time" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that signifies something occurring or being completed rapidly. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to emphasize speed or efficiency. It maintains a neutral register and is prevalent in News & Media and Scientific contexts. When writing, aim to use it to underscore quick progress, but avoid overuse to maintain variety. If you need alternatives consider "in no time", "shortly", or "quickly", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in no time

Similar meaning, but perhaps emphasizing the lack of perceived duration.

shortly

Single-word adverb, less verbose than the original phrase.

quickly

Emphasizes the speed of the action, focusing on rapidity.

soon

Indicates near future, implying the action will happen imminently.

rapidly

Stresses a high rate of speed, more formal than "quickly".

before long

A more idiomatic expression, implying a relatively short duration.

in short order

Suggests efficiency and speed in accomplishing something.

promptly

Highlights immediate action, focusing on a lack of delay.

expeditiously

Suggests efficiency and speed, in a more formal register.

presently

A slightly more formal and archaic synonym for "soon".

FAQs

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

You can use "in little time" to describe something that happens quickly. For example, "The project was completed "in little time" due to the team's dedication."

What phrases are similar to "in little time"?

Similar phrases include "in no time", "quickly", "soon", and "rapidly". The choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "in a little time" the same as "in little time"?

While both phrases suggest a short duration, "in a little time" often implies a slightly longer period than "in little time". "In little time" emphasizes the speed and efficiency of the action.

Can "in little time" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "in little time" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. However, for a more sophisticated tone, consider alternatives like "expeditiously" or "promptly".