on a small time scale

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on a small time scale" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing phenomena, events, or measurements that occur over a brief period of time. Example: "The experiment showed significant changes on a small time scale, indicating rapid reactions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The heuristic mode selection (MS) algorithm proposed in [20] uses probing signals between the D2D transmitter and receiver to estimate the interference plus noise power and the BS has the task to estimate the transmit power, SINR and throughput in each possible communication modes on a small time scale matching with that of the transmission time interval.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

For the detection of a potential system with oscillatory behaviour, the fraction of Nanog-high vs. Nanog-low needs to be determined on a small time scale.

Plosone

Moreover, if the transition entropy seems to converge to a small value on a small time scale, and the entropy does not, this behavior illustrates the case of a transient cycle in the transition graph.

BMC Systems Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Therefore, using a 5-min error margin has a stronger effect on a smaller time scale, as in the 12-min conditions.

Plosone

Variability in biotic and abiotic conditions during the reproductive period has been assumed to cause changes in activity patterns on a smaller time scale [ 18].

BMC Evolutionary Biology

In contrast to common long-term regulation, the utility function here changes on a smaller time-scale.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Many studies have focused on long-term arithmetic mean exposure estimates based on small time scale (short-term) observations and assuming lognormal RF to model exposure distributions (Clayton et al. 1999; Wallace and Williams 2005).

Environmental Health Perspectives

Therefore, dense vegetation corresponding to a large damping factor will postpone the time when Taylor's dispersion model holds, and the first order approximation becomes rough on small time scale, demanding higher order modifications.

Journal of Hydrology

For concentration distribution of scalar dispersion, the preliminary estimate of vertical distribution (Wu et al., 2015) on small time scale is rigorously extended to account for high order effects as skewness and kurtosis.

Journal of Hydrology

While in practice it might be difficult to maintain coherence during the whole evolution shown in Figure 6(a), up to times of the order 50 J − 1, the striking differences between Figure 6(a) and (b) become apparent already on a much smaller time scale, say 5 J − 1.

EPJ Quantum Technology

Water, formaldehyde and methane are produced on a much smaller time scale than dimethyl ether and the olefins.

Chemical Engineering Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "on a small time scale", ensure the context clearly defines what constitutes a 'small' duration. This helps avoid ambiguity and provides a precise understanding of the timeframe being discussed.

Common error

Avoid using "on a small time scale" without providing any specific reference or comparison to another time frame. Always clarify what you consider 'small' in relation to the topic at hand.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on a small time scale" functions as an adverbial prepositional phrase, modifying verbs or clauses by specifying the duration or timeframe within which an action or event occurs. As Ludwig AI suggests, it denotes events unfolding rapidly or within a short period.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

70%

News & Media

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "on a small time scale" is a prepositional phrase that is grammatically correct and primarily functions as an adverbial modifier, used to specify that events or processes occur within a limited duration. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and appropriateness in written English. It is most commonly found in scientific and news contexts, suggesting a formal to neutral register. When employing this phrase, clarify the specific time reference to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "in a short timeframe" or "over a brief period" for slight variations in emphasis. The phrase is generally well-regarded and consistently used across various reputable sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in a short timeframe

Focuses on the limited duration of the period, using a slightly more formal vocabulary.

over a brief period

Emphasizes the shortness of the duration, suitable for describing events or changes.

within a limited duration

Highlights the restricted length of the period during which something occurs.

in the short run

Implies a focus on immediate or near-term effects or occurrences.

on a short-term basis

Indicates a temporary or provisional arrangement or observation.

for a limited time

Stresses the finite availability or existence of something.

in rapid succession

Suggests events occurring quickly and one after another.

in quick order

Implies that events or actions follow each other promptly.

at a rapid pace

Emphasizes the speed or rate at which something is happening or changing.

momentarily

Indicates that something is happening or existing for only a very brief instant.

FAQs

How can I use "on a small time scale" in a sentence?

You can use "on a small time scale" to describe events, processes, or changes that occur over a brief period. For example: "The experiment showed significant changes "on a small time scale", indicating rapid reactions."

What are some alternatives to "on a small time scale"?

Alternatives include "in a short timeframe", "over a brief period", or "within a limited duration", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "on a small time scale" or "in a short period of time"?

Both phrases are correct, but "on a small time scale" is often used in more technical or scientific contexts, while "in a short period of time" is more general. The best choice depends on the specific context and audience.

What does "on a small time scale" mean in the context of scientific research?

In scientific research, "on a small time scale" typically refers to observing or measuring phenomena within a relatively short duration, such as seconds, minutes, or hours, as opposed to days, months, or years. It implies focusing on rapid or immediate changes.