little time

USAGE SUMMARY

"little time" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use it to refer to the small amount of time that is available to complete a task or to do something important. For example: "We have very little time left to complete this project before the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Little time.

The New Yorker

He had little time.

The New York Times

So little time".

The New York Times

Little time was wasted.

The New York Times

She said, "So little time.

The New Yorker

There's little time to linger.

Independent

Intervals, however, require little time.

The New York Times

"We've got a little time.

The New Yorker

There was so little time.

The New York Times

They had little time left.

The New Yorker

A little time off.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "little time" to emphasize the scarcity of time, creating a sense of urgency or highlighting the need for efficient action.

Common error

Avoid using "little time" repetitively in close proximity. Vary your language by using alternatives like "short time" or "limited time" to maintain reader engagement and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "little time" functions as a noun phrase that modifies a verb, adverb, or another noun. It expresses a limited quantity of the abstract concept of time. Ludwig AI examples showcase its use in diverse sentence structures.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "little time" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to express a scarcity of time. Ludwig AI examples reveal its frequent appearance in news, media, and wiki sources, making it suitable for diverse writing contexts. When using "little time", emphasize the urgency or need for efficiency and consider alternatives like "limited time" to prevent repetition. This phrase serves as a helpful tool to convey temporal constraints effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

limited time

Focuses on the restriction of time available.

short time

Emphasizes the brevity of the duration.

running out of time

Indicates depletion of available time.

brief period

Highlights the conciseness of the interval.

lack of time

Emphasizes the absence of sufficient time.

scant moment

Underscores the insufficiency of the time.

restricted timeframe

Indicates a constrained period for activities.

tight schedule

Suggests a packed agenda with minimal spare time.

time is of the essence

Highlights urgency and the importance of acting quickly.

clock is ticking

Creates a sense of urgency and approaching deadline.

FAQs

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

You can use "little time" to indicate a scarcity of time, as in, "We have "little time" to finish the project."

What can I say instead of "little time"?

Alternatives to "little time" include "limited time", "short time", or "brief period" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a little time" or "little time"?

"A little time" suggests there is some time available, while "little time" emphasizes the scarcity of time. The choice depends on the intended meaning.

What is the difference between "little time" and "not much time"?

"Little time" and "not much time" are similar in meaning, both indicating a limited amount of time. However, "little time" can sound slightly more formal or emphatic.