little time to assess

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "little time to assess" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating a limited amount of time available for evaluation or consideration of something. Example: "Due to the tight deadline, we had little time to assess the project's potential risks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Bankers had little time to assess the risk.

The New York Times

It can also mean there's little time to assess applicants.

The Guardian

May had little time to assess his options.

The Guardian - Sport

The money markets rely more on trust than transparency because transactions are so quick that there is little time to assess information.

The Economist

In the wake of the terrorist attacks, Alan Greenspan, the Federal Reserve chairman, has counseled Congress and the Bush administration not to rush ahead with an economic stimulus plan, saying that the government should take a little time to assess the scale and nature of the economic damage before acting.

The New York Times

With little time to assess the film before its planned global rollout, China's censors will now hope to avoid the fiasco that accompanied the release of Quentin Tarantino's Django Unchained in 2013, which was pulled from cinemas on its first day, despite Tarantino agreeing to tone down its violence.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

It was time to assess clinical issues.

The New Yorker

That's the best time to assess".

The New York Times - Sports

"I wanted more time to assess the economic implications".

The New York Times

You need some time to assess the content".

The New Yorker

It is a good time to assess your own performance.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "little time to assess", ensure that the context clearly explains why the time is limited and what the consequences of this limitation might be.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the negative consequences of having "little time to assess". While limited time can certainly impact the quality of an assessment, it doesn't automatically lead to catastrophic outcomes. Present a balanced view of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "little time to assess" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate a constraint on the time available for evaluation. It underscores the limited opportunity for thorough consideration or judgment, as supported by Ludwig's examples of use in context.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "little time to assess" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that indicates a limited opportunity for evaluation or consideration. As noted by Ludwig AI, this phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts, and used to explain urgency or justify decisions made under pressure. While not exceptionally common, the phrase is readily understood and can be effectively incorporated into various writing styles. When employing this phrase, ensure the context clearly conveys the reasons for the time limitation and the potential implications. While alternatives like "limited time for evaluation" or "insufficient time for analysis" exist, the specific choice depends on the intended tone and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

limited opportunity for evaluation

Replaces "time" with "opportunity" and uses "evaluation" instead of "assess" for a slightly more formal tone.

not enough time for proper assessment

Directly states the inadequacy of time for a suitable evaluation, using "proper" to emphasize the desired quality of assessment.

insufficient duration to evaluate

Substitutes "time" with "duration" and "assess" with "evaluate", highlighting the lack of adequate length for proper judgment.

short window to analyze

Emphasizes the brief period available for analysis, using "window" instead of "time" and "analyze" in place of "assess".

restricted period for review

Focuses on the limited timeframe for review, swapping "time" with "period" and "assess" with "review".

lack of time for thorough evaluation

Highlights the absence of sufficient time for a comprehensive assessment, adding the adjective "thorough".

scarce time for appraisal

Employs "scarce" to convey the limited availability of time and uses "appraisal" as a substitute for "assessment".

exiguity of time to judge

Uses "exiguity" to emphasize the extremely limited nature of time and replaces "assess" with "judge".

brief moment to consider

Highlights the short duration for reflection, substituting "time" with "moment" and "assess" with "consider".

hasty opportunity to value

Emphasizes the hurried nature of the opportunity, replacing "time" with "opportunity", "assess" with "value" and adding the adjective "hasty".

FAQs

How can I rephrase "little time to assess" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "limited time for evaluation" or "insufficient time for analysis". These options offer a more professional and precise sound.

What are some situations where I might have "little time to assess" something?

This phrase is often used in situations involving tight deadlines, rapid decision-making, or unexpected events that require quick evaluation. Examples include emergency situations, fast-paced business environments, and breaking news scenarios.

Is it ever appropriate to use "no time to assess" instead of "little time to assess"?

While "little time to assess" implies a limited opportunity for evaluation, "no time to assess" suggests a complete absence of such opportunity. Use "no time to assess" only when there is absolutely no chance for evaluation; otherwise, "little time to assess" is more accurate.

What's the difference between "assess" and "evaluate" in the context of having limited time?

The words "assess" and "evaluate" are often interchangeable. However, "assess" often suggests a more general overview, while "evaluate" implies a more detailed and structured analysis. The best choice depends on the specific context and the depth of analysis possible within the limited timeframe.