period

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "period" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a noun when referring to the cycle of menstruation, or in the sense of a punctuation mark at the end of a sentence; in this case it is often followed by a full stop. For example: I have to look after my dog every month; her shedding period usually lasts a few days.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We're working hard over the holiday period to make the necessary adjustments to our timetable as a consequence, and to provide as much information as we can".

The Guardian - Business

According to the Campaign for Better Transport (CBT), the cost of a Milton Keynes season ticket has risen 23.5%, or £930, since January 2010 and is one of a number of fares that have increased around four times more than average wages over this five-year period.

The Guardian

The course will have places for 12 participants who will meet for one three-hour session per week (6.30pm - 9.30pm) for a period of six months at the Guardian Building, 90 York Way, Kings Cross, London N1 9GU.

The Guardian

"This was during a period of high intensity, with an unprecedented number of arrivals and an increased number of people presenting with a range of significant, complex medical conditions".

The Guardian

The political rhetoric over immigration will further intensify on Monday as David Cameron promises to ban all EU nationals from claiming most benefits after six months in the UK unless they can prove they have been continuously looking for work over that period.

The Guardian

"GMG is entering a new period of growth, thanks to the strategic leadership of Andrew Miller and Alan Rusbridger.

The Guardian

"It didn't get the strongest winds in the eye wall but it certainly got a period of nearly three hours of sustained gale force winds and wind gusts in the 95 to 100km/h range".

The Guardian

The course will have places for 12 participants who will meet for one three-hour session per week (6.30pm-9.30pm) for a period of six months at the Guardian building at Kings Place, London N1 9GU.

The Guardian

His record - two cups within six months of his appointment, a domestic treble in his first full season, a second title in 2005 and reaching the last 16 of the Champions League - set the context for a rueful but masterfully understated parting comment: "I'm sure those people who look at the facts will say that during a period of downsizing, I was reasonably successful".

The Guardian - Sport

He pointed out that having founded the FN and "led it during a period of 40 years of constant adversity" he considered himself a good "locomotive" to head the local regional election campaign.

The Guardian

A total of £1.3m was spent on flights in 2013-14 and 2104-15 but £32m was spent on rail travel during that period.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be precise about the type of "period" you are referring to. Is it a time frame, a historical era, or a punctuation mark? Clarity enhances understanding.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by specifying which historical "period" you are referencing. Simply stating "the period" can leave readers unsure of the exact time frame you intend.

Linguistic Context

The word "period" functions primarily as a noun, denoting a length of time, a punctuation mark, a stage in history, or menstruation. It is also used as an interjection for emphasis. As Ludwig confirms, "period" is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "period" is a versatile term with multiple meanings, ranging from a length of time to a punctuation mark. As Ludwig confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used. In news and business, "period" often denotes a time frame, while in scientific contexts, it can refer to specific stages or cycles. While generally neutral, the register can become more formal when discussing menstruation or historical epochs. Common errors include ambiguity in historical references, which can be avoided by providing clear context. Related terms such as "time frame" and "duration" offer alternative ways to express the concept of time.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

time frame

Replaces "period" with a focus on the boundaries within which something occurs.

time span

Similar to "period", but emphasizes the length of time something lasts.

duration

Focuses on the length of time that something continues.

interval

Highlights the space or gap between events in time.

phase

Emphasizes a distinct stage within a larger process.

stage

Similar to "phase", indicating a step in a sequence or process.

epoch

Denotes a significant period in history or someone's life.

era

Similar to "epoch", referring to a distinct time in history.

term

Indicates a specified length of time, often in an academic or professional context.

cycle

Suggests a recurring sequence of events.

FAQs

How can I use "period" in a sentence?

You can use "period" to refer to a length of time, as in "There was a "period" of adjustment after the move", or to menstruation, as in "She prefers not to swim when she's on her "period".

What are some alternative words for "period" when referring to a length of time?

Alternatives include "time frame", "time span", or "duration". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it acceptable to use "period" to refer to menstruation in formal writing?

While "period" is commonly understood, it might be too informal for some formal contexts. Consider using more technical terms like "menstruation" or "menses" for a more professional tone.

What's the difference between using "period" and "era"?

"Period" is a general term for a length of time, while "era" refers to a distinct "period" in history with specific characteristics. For instance, "the Victorian era" is a specific "period" in British history.