shorter period

USAGE SUMMARY

"shorter period" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe a length of time that is shorter than what was previously discussed. For example, "We plan to complete the project in a shorter period of time compared to previous years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

The Guardian

The New York Times

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Weale favoured a shorter period.

The Guardian

The difference is he burned brighter for a shorter period".

The Guardian - Sport

True, he has been in power for a shorter period.

The Economist

Remorse would get me back on the wagon - but for a shorter period than the last.

The Guardian

Industry executives have sought a shorter period with some recommending one year.

The New York Times

Telescoping the planning into a shorter period does have some advantages.

The New York Times

Internet Protocol routing inventories may be worked off over a shorter period.

The New York Times

Mummery adds: "I could have gone for a shorter period and paid more per month.

The Guardian - Money

He's done it in a shorter period of time than any other fighter up here.

The Guardian - Sport

"In 200m you've obviously got to create a higher force in a shorter period of time".

The Guardian - Sport

So too, over a slightly shorter period of time, did AB de Villiers for South Africa.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing durations, clearly specify what the "shorter period" is being compared to. This provides context and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "shorter period" without establishing a clear reference. For example, instead of saying "We completed the task in a shorter period", specify "We completed the task in a shorter period compared to last year".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shorter period" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as an adjective modifying another noun or as an adverbial modifier indicating a duration. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is grammatically sound and widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shorter period" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for comparing durations. Ludwig AI highlights its acceptance in diverse contexts such as news, science, and business, indicating its versatility and clarity. When employing "shorter period", remember to provide a clear reference point for the comparison to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like ""briefer duration"" or ""reduced timeframe"" can be used to add variety to your writing, while retaining the core meaning. By adhering to best practices and avoiding common errors, you can effectively communicate the concept of reduced duration in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

briefer duration

Focuses on the duration itself being brief, emphasizing the length rather than a comparative aspect.

reduced timeframe

Highlights the reduction in the allotted time, suitable for project management or scheduling contexts.

lesser interval

Emphasizes the space between two points in time being diminished.

quicker span

Uses "quicker" to imply faster completion within the given time.

compressed timeline

Suggests the timeline has been made shorter and more intense.

abbreviated term

Specifically refers to a reduced length of a defined term or period.

curtailed phase

Implies a phase or stage that has been cut short.

truncated episode

Describes an event or episode that has been shortened.

limited duration

Focuses on the restriction of the duration.

condensed period

Highlights the compression and reduction of the time frame.

FAQs

How can I use "shorter period" in a sentence?

You can use "shorter period" to compare durations, such as "The project was completed in a "shorter period" than initially planned" or "I chose a "shorter period" for the loan to minimize interest payments".

What are some alternatives to "shorter period"?

Alternatives include "briefer duration", "reduced timeframe", or "lesser interval depending" on the context.

Is it always necessary to specify what the "shorter period" is compared to?

While not always grammatically required, specifying the reference point ensures clarity. For example, instead of "The treatment lasted a "shorter period"", saying "The treatment lasted a "shorter period" than the previous one" provides better context.

What is the difference between "shorter period" and "brief period"?

"Shorter period" implies a comparison to another period, while "brief period" simply indicates a short duration without explicit comparison.