reasonable time

USAGE SUMMARY

"reasonable time" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to imply a certain period of time that is not specific but is not too long or too short. For example, "We will need to finish this task in a reasonable time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What was a reasonable time?

The Guardian

They establish reasonable time limits for resolving disputes.

The New York Times

18. End the interview at a reasonable time.

University of California, Berkeley

9. Allow a reasonable time for a response.

The Telegraph

The court says that it means within a reasonable time.

Harvard University

Hearings must take place within a reasonable time.

Britannica

§ 803.21 Additional information shall be supplied within reasonable time.

Cornell University

Horses are fastest over any reasonable time or distance.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"Six months is a reasonable time frame," Kelly said.

The New York Times

Optimization heuristics helped solve the problem within a reasonable time.

Ecological Economics

Happily the feed-in tariff will see us recovering that capital outlay in a reasonable time.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "reasonable time" in contracts or legal documents, consider adding specific timeframes or criteria to avoid ambiguity and potential disputes.

Common error

Avoid using "reasonable time" without considering industry standards or common practices. What's considered reasonable can vary significantly depending on the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reasonable time" functions primarily as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It serves to qualify a period indicating that the duration is neither excessively long nor unduly short, aligning with expectations within a given context. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase follows standard grammar rules.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Academia

25%

Science

23%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reasonable time" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to denote an expected period of time that is appropriate and fair within a given context. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is used across various fields like News & Media, Academia, and Science, making it suitable for neutral and professional communication. When using the phrase, it's important to consider contextual expectations and avoid ambiguity by specifying timeframes or criteria when necessary. Alternatives such as "appropriate timeframe" or "suitable duration" may be used in more formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appropriate timeframe

Emphasizes the suitability of the time period for a specific purpose.

suitable duration

Focuses on the length of time being adequate for the task.

fair interval

Highlights impartiality and justness in the allotted time.

sensible period

Stresses the rationality and practicality of the time allotted.

realistic deadline

Highlights the achievability of a task within the given timeframe.

expedient moment

Focuses on choosing the most advantageous or suitable time.

judicious timing

Implies careful and wise selection of when something should occur.

proper window

Suggests there's a specific opportunity that should be utilized.

fitting occasion

Emphasizes the suitability and appropriateness of the time.

due course

Indicates something will happen at the expected or appropriate time.

FAQs

How can I use "reasonable time" in a sentence?

You can use "reasonable time" to indicate a period that is fair and appropriate for a specific task or event. For example, "The company will process your refund within a "reasonable time"."

What's a more formal alternative to "reasonable time"?

In formal contexts, you might consider using phrases like "appropriate timeframe", "suitable duration", or "due course" as alternatives to "reasonable time".

What factors determine what is considered a "reasonable time"?

Factors that determine what is considered a "reasonable time" often depend on the context, industry standards, complexity of the task, and any prior agreements between parties.

Is there a legal definition of "reasonable time"?

The legal definition of "reasonable time" can vary depending on the jurisdiction and specific laws involved. It's generally interpreted as the amount of time that is fair and appropriate under the circumstances, considering the nature of the action and the situation of the parties.