periods of time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "periods of time" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to a certain length of time, such as a day, a week, a month, or a year. For example: "We need to set aside certain periods of time to complete this project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Uncertainties clearly increase with greater periods of time," he said.

The New York Times

"I don't like it for extended periods of time.

The New York Times - Sports

But the trilogy's dozen scenes cover different periods of time.

The New York Times

"Periods of time are conflated," Simons explained of the collection.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Major weight loss in short periods of time may occur".

The New Yorker

He can concentrate for much longer periods of time.

The New York Times - Health

He was depressed for long periods of time.

The New Yorker

"People were keeping them there for long periods of time".

The New York Times

We didn't talk for long periods of time.

The Guardian

We stayed in friends' houses for short periods of time".

The New Yorker

Increasing periods of time for pain to resolve.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing specific durations, clarify the scale by adding adjectives, for example "short periods of time", "extended periods of time", or "variable periods of time".

Common error

Using "periods of time" without qualifiers can be vague. Specify the length when precision matters. For example, instead of saying "The experiment was conducted over several periods of time", state "The experiment was conducted over several three-hour periods."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "periods of time" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as an adverbial modifier to indicate duration or frequency. It describes how long something lasts or how often it occurs, as evidenced by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

35%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "periods of time" is a versatile and grammatically sound noun phrase used to indicate duration or frequency. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and widely applicable. Its frequency is high across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Wiki sources. When using this phrase, be sure to provide context to specify the length you're referring to, and consider alternatives like "time spans" or "durations" for variety. Understanding common errors, such as ambiguity in scale, ensures effective and clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

time spans

Focuses on the duration or length of the time involved.

time intervals

Emphasizes the breaks or spaces between specific moments in time.

durations

A more concise term indicating the length of time something lasts.

timeframes

Highlights the boundaries or limits of the time under consideration.

segments of time

Divides time into distinct, measurable portions.

temporal extents

A more formal way of referring to the length or scope of time.

stretches of time

Conveys a sense of continuity or unbroken length of time.

spells of time

Indicates a limited or defined duration.

time slots

Focuses on allocated or reserved portions of time.

chronological spans

Refers to the length of time as it relates to a sequence of events.

FAQs

How can I use "periods of time" in a sentence?

You can use "periods of time" to refer to specific durations or intervals. For instance, "The medication needs to be taken at regular "intervals of time"", or "The study observed participants over extended "lengths of time"".

What are some alternatives to using "periods of time"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "time spans", "durations", or "timeframes" to convey similar meanings.

Is it more accurate to say "time periods" or "periods of time"?

Both phrases are generally acceptable, but "periods of time" is often considered more grammatically standard. "Time periods" may be preferred in contexts where you want to emphasize distinct segments of time, while "periods of time" is more generic.

What is the difference between "short periods of time" and "long periods of time"?

"Short periods of time" refer to brief durations, while "long periods of time" indicate extended durations. For example, "The plant only needs watering during short "intervals of time"", versus "The archaeological dig spanned long time spans".