many minutes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "many minutes" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a duration of time that is more than a few minutes, often to emphasize the length of time taken or required. Example: "I waited for many minutes before the bus finally arrived."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Many minutes elapsed.

The New Yorker

Many minutes go by.

The New Yorker

How many minutes per visit?

The Economist

"That's just too many minutes.

The New York Times

How many minutes gone?

The Guardian - Sport

How many minutes?

The New York Times - Magazine

How many minutes did he play?

The New York Times - Sports

The Kenyans were now many minutes ahead.

The New York Times - Sports

We are diverted for many minutes.

The Guardian

How many minutes for a wash?

The New York Times

So this is how many minutes in a day.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "many minutes" to emphasize the duration of an event or activity, especially when the exact number of minutes is not crucial but the perceived length is important.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on phrases like "many minutes" without providing additional context or a more specific timeframe when precision is necessary. Consider supplementing with approximate numerical values when possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "many minutes" functions as an adverbial modifier indicating duration. It modifies a verb or verb phrase to specify how long an action takes. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and broad applicability in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

19%

Science

14%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "many minutes" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to indicate a non-specific, extended duration of time. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its validity and versatility across various contexts, from news reports to academic writings. While precise numerical values are preferable in situations where accuracy is key, "many minutes" is effective when the perceived length of time is the primary focus. Be mindful of the context and avoid overuse to maintain clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

several minutes

Emphasizes a small to moderate duration of time, slightly less indefinite than "many minutes".

an extended duration

Stresses the length of the time, suggesting it is longer than usual.

a considerable amount of time

Highlights the perceived length of the time period, focusing on its impact.

a substantial period of time

Highlights the magnitude or importance of the duration.

a lengthy interval

Focuses on the gap between two points in time.

a significant period

Indicates an important or noteworthy duration.

quite some time

Indicates that the duration is longer than expected or desired.

a long time

A more general way to express a considerable duration.

a protracted period

Suggests the duration is excessively long or drawn out.

a good while

An informal way to indicate a noticeable duration.

FAQs

How can I use "many minutes" in a sentence?

You can use "many minutes" to describe a duration of time, such as "I waited for "many minutes" before the bus arrived" or "The meeting lasted "many minutes" longer than scheduled".

What are some alternatives to "many minutes"?

Alternatives include "several minutes", "a long time", or "a considerable amount of time", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it more appropriate to say "several minutes" or "many minutes"?

Both phrases are correct, but ""many minutes"" often implies a longer or more significant duration than ""several minutes"". The choice depends on the specific context and the emphasis you want to convey.

When should I avoid using "many minutes" in my writing?

Avoid using ""many minutes"" when precision is required or when the duration is relatively short. In such cases, providing a specific number of minutes or using a more precise phrase may be more appropriate.