on a different timescale

USAGE SUMMARY

"on a different timescale" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe when something is taking a significantly different amount of time than expected. For example: "After carefully planning for the project, it was completed on a different timescale than anticipated."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

That is one of the things I love about gardens: they operate on a different timescale to humans, one which allows us to really witness the world.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Brief Encounter used this trick, on a different timescale, with its masterful weaving-in of Rachmaninov's second piano concerto.

The Guardian - Film

Plants also largely live on a different timescale than animals, moving and acting so slowly that we hardly notice they are, indeed, reacting to outside stimuli.

The Guardian

Such models typically consider the case where population dynamics occurs on a different timescale to evolution.

Journal of Theoretical Biology

For example, the oscillation pattern occurring after removal of the coupling from the eupnea compartment to the sigh compartment appears in Fig. 2A, while the spike of the sigh compartment alone, without input, is shown on a different timescale in Fig. 2B.

The Journal of Mathematical Neuroscience

Since the OSN spiking activity evolves on a different timescale than the other two variables, the solution of the ODEs could be simplified through a quasi-steady-state approximation (QSSA, see 'Materials and methods').

eLife

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

In this case, however, it also serves as a counterpoint to ecological dynamic and an unconscious intentionality taking place on a rather different timescale – the millennia of adaptive change that have led to the evolution of this insect's elegant colouration.

BMC Ecology

Here we attempt to gain new insights into patterns of evolutionary constraints associated with selection by integrating findings of BaseDiver with signatures of positive selection on human genes from three large-scale studies that use different genomic features to infer selection and focus on different timescale.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Therefore, an accurate analysis of the IMFs may help us to understand the nature of the processes responsible of the observed differences on different timescales.

Earth, Planets and Space

This ratiometric response of the AQA unit to zinc, combined with no response of the EuIII emission, thus provides a dual fluorescent probe for determining ZnII concentration in cells using the one excitation wavelength on two different timescales, that is, the nano- and milli-second scales.

Chemistry - A European Journal

These processes act on top of each other, and each one of them dominates on different timescales.

Evolutionary Applications

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing processes or events, use "on a different timescale" to clearly indicate that they occur over significantly varying lengths of time. This helps the audience understand the relative speeds or durations involved.

Common error

While "timescale" and "timeframe" are similar, "timescale" often refers to broader, more general durations, while "timeframe" usually indicates a specific, defined period. Ensure you use the term that best fits the context to avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on a different timescale" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause by indicating the temporal context or duration in which an action or process occurs. It specifies that something happens or evolves with a different duration than something else. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on a different timescale" is a grammatically sound and useful expression for indicating that two or more events or processes occur over significantly different durations. It functions as an adverbial phrase, providing context about the temporal aspects of the described actions. While versatile, it's most commonly encountered in scientific, academic, and news-related contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. When using this phrase, remember that while similar to "timeframe", "timescale" generally refers to broader durations. Alternatives include phrases like "on a different timeline" or "at a different rate", though these may subtly shift the emphasis. The phrase is commonly found in reputable sources, confirming its validity and acceptance in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on a different time frame

Replaces "timescale" with the synonym "time frame", keeping the meaning identical.

on a different timeline

Substitutes "timescale" with "timeline", suggesting a slightly more specific sequence of events, but maintaining similar meaning.

over a different duration

Replaces the preposition "on" with "over" and changes "timescale" to "duration", focusing on the length of time.

at a different rate

Shifts the focus to the speed or pace at which something occurs, implying a different temporal dimension.

in a different period

Emphasizes the specific segment of time, rather than the scale itself.

with a different tempo

Uses "tempo" to highlight the pace or rhythm of events, rather than the overall duration.

on another schedule

Focuses on an ordered plan of timing, deviating from the idea of duration

on an alternate calendar

Introduces the concept of a distinct system of timekeeping, varying slightly from the original phrase.

in another era

Refers to a significantly broader time span, often associated with historical periods.

at a later stage

Indicates a point further along in time, rather than a differing scale of time.

FAQs

How can I use "on a different timescale" in a sentence?

You can use "on a different timescale" to compare processes or events that occur over vastly different durations. For example, "Geological changes occur "on a different timescale" than daily weather patterns".

What's the difference between "on a different timescale" and "in a different timeframe"?

"On a different timescale" implies a difference in the general duration or rate at which something happens, while "in a different timeframe" suggests a specific, defined period. The first is more general; the second, more precise.

What are some alternatives to "on a different timescale"?

Alternatives include phrases like "on a different timeline", "over a different duration", or "at a different rate", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "on a different timescale"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase follows standard English grammar rules and is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts, according to Ludwig AI.