mammoth time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mammoth time" is not a standard expression in written English, but it can be understood in context.
It can be used to convey a sense of a very large or significant amount of time, often in a hyperbolic or informal manner. Example: "We spent a mammoth time preparing for the event, ensuring every detail was perfect."

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Updated at 4.38am BST 11.44pm BST Missing Mammoth Time constraints mean Benji won't get to the Mammoth Caves, unfortunately, but the park deserves a quick glance, if only from afar.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

It's how we survived in Woolly Mammoth Times, running away from stuff to avoid being eaten.

The Guardian - Opinion

(In 2001, Hollinger sold the Mammoth Times, a weekly paper in Mammoth, Calif., to Horizon for $1, a transaction that was first described in The Wall Street Journal).

The New York Times

"It wouldn't be an endurance test," said Tarantino of the re-edit's mammoth run time.

The Guardian - Film

Raising a cloud of dust from dragging an injured leg, the film can't support the burden of delivering a drama with a mammoth running time, a climactic catastrophe that nearly every American knows and no women with major speaking roles.

The New York Times

The social media rumour mill went into overdrive when fans of the comedian, who has died (according to Twitter) a mammoth eight times previously, tweeted that the star had been killed in a freak snowboarding accident.

Independent

Why does the camera linger ominously over said mammoth remains every time they appear in shot?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

San Paolo Fuori le Mura (St. Paul Outside the Walls), a basilica built by Constantine over the grave of St. Paul, the Apostle, was replaced starting in 386 by a structure mammoth for its time.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They still trailed by 59, having conceded a mammoth deficit first time round, but could be increasingly optimistic about closing out a stalemate tomorrow thanks to their twin hundreds.

Independent

The last time mammoths lived on Earth, the Egyptian pharaohs were still playing with pyramids (look it up).

Huffington Post

The last time the mammoth Stuyvesant Town and Peter Cooper Village complexes were sold, their tenants were largely ignored.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal settings, prefer alternatives like "significant time period" or "extensive duration" for clearer and more professional communication.

Common error

Avoid overuse of "mammoth time", as it can sound repetitive or hyperbolic. Use it sparingly for emphasis, not as a default way to describe long durations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mammoth time" functions primarily as a noun phrase modifier, where "mammoth" acts as an adjective emphasizing the scale or magnitude of the "time" period. Ludwig shows it's used to describe something requiring a significant duration.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academic

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "mammoth time" is an infrequently used phrase to express a very large quantity of time, with one exact and several similar example usages found by Ludwig. It's considered acceptable but not standard English. While "mammoth time" isn't grammatically incorrect, it carries an informal tone and is more suitable for casual contexts. When writing professionally or academically, you should prefer alternative phrases like "significant time period" or "extensive duration". Ludwig AI suggests it's best reserved for emphasis in informal settings. The phrase appears across various categories such as News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Science.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extensive duration

Replaces "mammoth" with a synonym emphasizing length.

significant time period

Substitutes "mammoth" with a more formal descriptor of importance.

prolonged period

Focuses on the extended nature of the time involved.

substantial timeframe

Replaces both words, while retaining a sense of significance.

considerable time investment

Highlights the resources (time) being used.

lengthy timespan

Combines "lengthy" with "timespan" to emphasize the duration.

a great deal of time

Uses a more common expression to indicate a large amount of time.

major time commitment

Focuses on the dedication required for the time spent.

protracted duration

Emphasizes the lasting nature of the time involved.

remarkable length of time

Stresses the unusual or noteworthy duration.

FAQs

What does "mammoth time" mean?

"Mammoth time" isn't a standard phrase, but it generally refers to a very large or significant amount of time, similar to saying something took a "mammoth effort".

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

While not a standard phrase, you might use "mammoth time" to emphasize the duration of something, like: "We spent a mammoth time preparing for the presentation" However, consider using more common alternatives for clarity.

Which is correct, "mammoth time" or "huge amount of time"?

"Huge amount of time" is a more standard and widely accepted phrase. "Mammoth time" is less common and may sound informal or hyperbolic. Therefore, using "huge amount of time" is generally preferable.

What are some alternatives to "mammoth time"?

Alternatives include "extensive duration", "significant time period", or "prolonged period". These options are more formal and commonly used.