period of time

USAGE SUMMARY

"period of time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe any length of time, for example: "She has been with the company for an extended period of time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's an extended period of time".

The New York Times

Defiantly over a long period of time.

The New York Times

Or over a longer period of time?

The New York Times

That was just a period of time.

The New York Times - Sports

"It was a lively period of time".

The Guardian

"That took a long period of time.

The Guardian

It happened over a period of time".

The New York Times

Over what (preferably brief) period of time?

Harvard Business Review

an extraordinarily intense period of time.

The Washington Post

"This movie is about that period of time," he said.

The New York Times

I thought this would survive the longest period of time".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the length of an event or process, consider using "period of time" to emphasize the duration. For example, "The project will be completed over a period of time."

Common error

Avoid using "period of time" when the context already clearly indicates a duration. For example, instead of saying "during that period of time", you can often simply say "during that time".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "period of time" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as an adverbial modifier indicating duration. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically sound and commonly used. Examples show it specifying how long something lasts or occurs.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "period of time" is a versatile and commonly used noun phrase that specifies duration. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and appears frequently in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in register, it's essential to avoid redundancy by using it judiciously. Consider alternatives like "timeframe" or "duration" for more concise phrasing. By understanding its function and potential pitfalls, you can effectively use "period of time" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

timeframe

Focuses specifically on the boundaries within which something occurs.

duration

Emphasizes the length of time something lasts.

interval

Highlights the space or gap between two points in time.

phase

Suggests a distinct stage within a longer process.

span

Refers to the entire extent from beginning to end.

spell

Implies a limited and often temporary duration.

stretch

Conveys an uninterrupted expanse of time.

term

Often used in formal contexts to describe a set amount of time.

cycle

Indicates a recurring sequence of events over time.

epoch

Suggests a significant and extended duration, often marking a distinct era.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "period of time"?

You can use alternatives like "timeframe", "duration", or "interval" depending on the context.

How do I use "period of time" in a sentence?

Use "period of time" to indicate a specific duration. For example, "The treatment is effective over a long period of time" or "The warranty covers a period of time of one year".

Is it redundant to say "during the period of time"?

Yes, it can often be shortened to just "during that time" or "during the period" for conciseness.

What's the difference between "period of time" and "moment in time"?

"Period of time" refers to a duration, while "moment in time" refers to a specific point. For example, "The discovery changed science for a long "period of time"", versus, "At that "moment in time", everything changed".