pieces of time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pieces of time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to small, usually finite, amounts of time, such as moments, hours, or days. For example, you could say, "I try to fill up all the little pieces of time in my day with meaningful experiences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Pieces of time.

Harvard University

"The amount of time doesn't matter, but these little pieces of time do," she said.

Independent

This aligns nicely with the Hempstocks' ability to snip out pieces of time, channel energy, remember the Big Bang.

The New York Times - Books

Amy Ephron "Pieces of time" is how Amy Ephron describes the essays in her forthcoming collection, "Loose Diamonds" (HarperCollins).

The New York Times

Toshiba described the results seen in the ad as a "perfectly choreographed collage of manipulated pieces of time".

The Guardian

James Stewart seems to have been thinking of this approach to cinema when he talked to Peter Bogdanovich about his craft: "What you're doing is… you're giving people little… little, tiny pieces of time… that they never forget".

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Harrison's Clocks Birtwistle on his five pieces of time-bending polyphony for solo piano.

The Guardian - Music

The relationships between the different units of EADS in Europe is now so firmly established that they are able to monitor, in real time, from the centre of flight operations in Seville, more than 40,000 variables affecting a plane as it flies over the Pyrenees, and exchange more than 200,000 pieces of time-related data.

The Guardian - Business

"Bits and Pieces of Times Remembered" was a suite of excerpts from dances of the 70's and 80's.

The New York Times - Arts

That includes more than 300 games in the NCAA Vault and thousands of individual moments that are searchable, thanks to around 2 million pieces of time-based metadata attached to its vast archive.

TechCrunch

It is meant to portray a piece of time and appropriate to watch at any time.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pieces of time" when you want to emphasize that a larger time frame is being considered in smaller, manageable segments. For example, "We can accomplish the project by working in small "pieces of time" each day."

Common error

While "pieces of time" is acceptable, it might sound less formal than alternatives like "periods of time" or "segments of time" in professional or academic writing. Consider the context and audience to ensure appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pieces of time" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or preposition. It refers to small, distinct segments or portions of time. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for general use.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

12%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pieces of time" is a grammatically sound and commonly used noun phrase that describes small segments or portions of time. As noted by Ludwig, it is appropriate for general usage, although more formal alternatives may suit professional or academic writing. The phrase is found most frequently in News & Media and academic contexts. When writing, consider the specific context and audience to ensure you select the most appropriate phrasing to describe how time is being allocated or considered. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively use "pieces of time" to enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moments in time

Focuses on very short durations or specific points in time.

segments of time

Emphasizes a division of time into distinct parts.

intervals of time

Highlights regularly spaced or measured amounts of time.

periods of time

Refers to longer, less precisely defined durations.

portions of time

Implies dividing time into allocated or designated amounts.

allocations of time

Stresses the deliberate distribution of time for specific purposes.

small amounts of time

Directly refers to the quantity of time.

bits of time

Uses a more informal term for small quantities of time.

snippets of time

Suggests short, often fleeting moments.

fractions of time

Highlights that the amount is only a part of the whole duration.

FAQs

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

You can use "pieces of time" to describe small, distinct portions of time, as in, "I try to use small "pieces of time" throughout the day for personal development."

What are some alternatives to "pieces of time"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "moments in time", "segments of time", or "periods of time".

Is it better to say "pieces of time" or "periods of time"?

The choice depends on the context. "Pieces of time" often suggests smaller, fragmented moments, while "periods of time" implies longer, more continuous durations.

What does "pieces of time" mean in the context of time management?

In time management, "pieces of time" refers to breaking down larger tasks into smaller, more manageable blocks or "intervals of time" to improve focus and productivity.