like little time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "like little time" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to express a small amount of time, but the phrasing is awkward and unclear. Example: "I have like little time to finish this project before the deadline."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"They are like little time bombs that have been sent out into the world," said Gwen McClure, an F.B.I. agent and the director of counterterrorism at Interpol, the international police organization based in Lyon, France.

The New York Times

"Tips for where to pick the best mushrooms and glimpses of people's lives will be saved in parks, forests and cities like little time capsules that can be opened by whoever finds them".

Vice

Sleeping is like little time machine.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Say to them "Hey, I think this is something we really need to discuss, but I'd like a little time to cool down and talk about it calmly.

WikiHow

It was wonderful, like a little time machine.

The New York Times

"It's like a little time capsule," said Meg Siegel, a senior vice president of Sotheby's International Realty and the president of her SoHo board for five years.

The New York Times

With its reverbed bass line, drum kicks, and lyrics like "So little time, so little space," So Little Time is emblematic of too much time spent in military-enforced confinement.

The Guardian - Music

In fact, it sounds like very little time is spent explaining anything at all in "Jessica Jones". .

Los Angeles Times

"I like to spend as little time as possible underground".

The New York Times

I'd just like to spend a little time in the House".

The New York Times

Four years from start to finish, although I had twins in the middle, so I like to deduct a little time for that. 5. What has changed for you since it was first published?

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use more common and grammatically correct alternatives such as "very little time", "a short time", or "not much time" for clarity and better communication.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "like little time" as it's often perceived as grammatically incorrect. Replace it with clearer alternatives to avoid confusion or misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "like little time" functions as an adverbial modifier, attempting to express the limited amount of time available. However, it's considered grammatically incorrect. Ludwig AI identifies the phrase as awkward and suggests using clearer alternatives.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

33%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "like little time" is an attempt to convey the idea of limited time, but it is generally considered grammatically incorrect. Ludwig AI points out its awkwardness and recommends using clearer alternatives such as "very little time" or "not much time". While examples can be found in various sources, including news and media, it's best to avoid this phrase in formal writing. Instead, opt for more common and grammatically sound options to ensure clarity and effective communication. This approach aligns with Ludwig's assessment and promotes better writing practices.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

very little time

Emphasizes the scarcity of time more directly and grammatically correctly.

not much time

A more casual and common way of expressing limited time.

a short time

Focuses on the brevity of the duration.

limited time

Highlights the restriction on available time.

insufficient time

Indicates that the amount of time is inadequate for a specific purpose.

scarce time

Emphasizes the rarity and preciousness of time.

time is running out

Highlights the urgency and impending deadline.

time is of the essence

Stresses the critical importance of time in a situation.

a tight schedule

Implies that the time available is carefully planned and constrained.

pressed for time

Describes a situation where someone is under pressure due to a lack of time.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "like little time"?

Instead of "like little time", you can use phrases such as "very little time", "not much time", or "a short time" to express the scarcity of time more clearly.

Is "like little time" grammatically correct?

No, the phrase "like little time" is not grammatically correct in standard English. It's better to use more common and accepted phrases to convey the same meaning.

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

You can use "very little time" in a sentence like this: "I have very little time to complete this project before the deadline."

What's the difference between "like little time" and "very little time"?

The phrase "like little time" is considered grammatically awkward and less clear. In contrast, "very little time" is a grammatically correct and widely accepted way to express a scarcity of time.