on a reasonable time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on a reasonable time" is not correct in English.
The correct expression is "in a reasonable time." You can use it when discussing the expected duration for completing a task or project. Example: "Please ensure that the report is submitted in a reasonable time to meet our deadlines."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

For example, maybe they want to go to sleep earlier and would love to agree on a reasonable time.

Columbia University

Efforts are underway to develop a framework for making the data collection and compilation process easily reproducible, so that it can be updated on a reasonable time interval to facilitate intertemporal analysis.

Columbia University

Effort is underway to develop a framework for making the data collection and compilation process easily reproducible, so that it can be updated on a reasonable time interval to facilitate inter-temporal analysis.

Columbia University

To achieve that on a reasonable time scale would require several hundred billion antiprotons circulating in the accelerator ring.

Los Angeles Times

However, our model predicts that only small inhomogeneities of the order of several percent are balanced by victorious fluctuations on a reasonable time scale.

Plosone

Ancient DNA provides an outstanding tool to study past population dynamics as it allows a survey of genetic variation in populations over hundreds to thousands of generations and enables the reconstruction of temporal demographic history on a reasonable time scale.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

It also prevents them from giving preference to one cellular provider over another, and applications must be acted on in a reasonable time, usually determined by how a town would consider regular building applications.

The New York Times

"Our aim is to ensure that cases are ruled on within a reasonable time".

The New York Times

We show elsewhere that the power density needed for image acquisition on a reasonable time-scale is high enough to damage a patina and modify its chemistry.

Heritage Science

New technologies are needed to remediate groundwater plumes in-situ to very low risk-based levels because Monitored Natural Attenuation (MNA) cannot be assured on a reasonable time-scale.

Duke University

"That goes to the bigger issue," Mr. Warren said, "which is H.P.D.'s ongoing role to make sure that the owner follows the order to correct and brings the apartment back on line in a reasonable time, and the original tenants can return to their apartments".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to completing a task within an expected duration, use "in a reasonable time" or "within a reasonable timeframe". This ensures grammatical correctness and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "on" when referring to durations; "in" is the correct preposition. Saying "on a reasonable time" is grammatically incorrect and can confuse readers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on a reasonable time" is an adjective phrase modifying a noun, intending to indicate an acceptable or suitable duration. However, according to Ludwig AI, the phrase is not grammatically correct in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

30%

Academia

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "on a reasonable time" is often used with the intention of indicating a duration that is acceptable or suitable for completing a task. However, Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically incorrect. The correct preposition to use is "in", so the proper phrase is "in a reasonable time". Alternatives include "within a reasonable timeframe" or "in a timely manner". While sources like The New York Times and scientific journals demonstrate the phrase's occurrence, adhering to correct grammar by using "in" instead of "on" will ensure clarity and professionalism in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

within a reasonable timeframe

Emphasizes the duration aspect by using 'timeframe' instead of 'time'.

in a timely manner

Focuses on the promptness of the action, suggesting it's done without undue delay.

within an acceptable period

Replaces 'reasonable' with 'acceptable' and 'time' with 'period', indicating a duration that meets requirements.

in due course

Suggests something will happen at the appropriate time without specifying a specific duration.

at a suitable moment

Shifts the focus to the appropriateness of the timing rather than the duration itself.

when the time is right

Indicates that something will occur when conditions are favorable, without mentioning duration.

in a practical duration

Focuses on the practical aspect of the duration, emphasizing that it is achievable and suitable for the situation.

on a feasible schedule

Highlights the attainability of the timeframe by referring to schedule.

within a suitable interval

Indicates a time slot between two events, and uses 'interval' to underline the length.

in an efficient duration

Emphasis on how the action can be completed with no waste of time.

FAQs

What is the correct way to say "on a reasonable time"?

The correct way is to use the preposition "in" instead of "on", so the correct phrase is "in a reasonable time". Alternatively, you could use "within a reasonable timeframe".

Is "on a reasonable time" grammatically correct?

No, the phrase "on a reasonable time" is not grammatically correct. The correct preposition to use is "in", making the correct phrase "in a reasonable time".

What are some alternatives to saying "in a reasonable time"?

Some alternatives include "within a reasonable timeframe", "in a timely manner", or "in due course", depending on the context.

How does "in a reasonable time" differ from "in a timely manner"?

"In a reasonable time" refers to a duration that is fair and appropriate, while "in a timely manner" emphasizes that something is done promptly and without delay. They both express efficiency but focus on different aspects.