shortness of time

USAGE SUMMARY

"shortness of time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a lack of time for a particular task or project. For example, "We had to abandon the project due to the shortness of time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

"I've always felt the shortness of time," she says.

The New York Times - Magazine

Shortness of time for reading was a problem for 29% of respondents, 40% preferred to do something else and 26% said they "didn't enjoy reading very much".

The Guardian - Books

Mr. Douglass and other Gore lawyers said they never dreamed, given the shortness of time, that the Florida Supreme Court would order a statewide manual recount of some 45,000 ballots.

The New York Times

The brevity of the process, the shortness of time to obtain legal advice and the absence of representation, coupled with the speed of action required, were all features the judge found to be unfair.

The Guardian

"I'm not so worried about the shortness of time, the fact he's only got 40 days, because the squads will be selected and it's the players who will perform".

Independent

To control these phenomena, the current feedback design schemes, where controlled variables are measured by "externany equipped sensors" and fed back to a "externally designed controller", are no longer effective due to the shortness of time and smallness of spatial scales of the objects.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

The shortness of the time remaining makes it doubtful whether action could, or would, be taken in time to secure for petitioners the effective relief they seek.

Cornell University

It nibbles away at the patience she needs to be a daughter, eats away at the fortitude she must have to conduct herself as a woman.... Every day is more difficult to endure than the last, but, on looking back, one rues the shortness of the time".+ For the young girls who yearn to escape these rooms, history is filtered through the lens of fashion.

The New York Times - Books

Harvey's most recent book, You an Orchestra You a Bomb, recalls in sprightly color and inky darkness the shortness of our time on earth.

Vice

It is especially misleading since the lack of statistical significance in the trend at the 95percentt confidence level was related to the shortness of the time period over which the trend was calculated.

Huffington Post

For example, the observational instrument EOLD-CAD scored discomfort among participants 15 times (37.5%), shortness of breath 12 times (30%), serenity 34 times (85%), peace 36 times (90%), and calmness 35 times (87.5%).

BMC Geriatrics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "shortness of time", clearly specify what task or activity is being affected by the limited time. This provides context and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "shortness of time" when you actually mean "shortness of breath", which refers to difficulty breathing. Ensure your writing clearly reflects the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shortness of time" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence or following a preposition. Ludwig provides examples where it explains reasons or constraints, as in "given the shortness of time, that the Florida Supreme Court would order a statewide manual recount of some 45,000 ballots."

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

31%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "shortness of time" is a grammatically sound and commonly used noun phrase to express the concept of limited time available for a task or activity. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is considered correct and suitable for various writing contexts. While alternatives like "lack of time" or "time constraint" exist, "shortness of time" often carries a sense of urgency. It's frequently found in news and media, as well as scientific and academic sources, indicating its broad applicability. When using the phrase, ensure clarity by specifying what is affected by the time limitation, and avoid confusing it with "shortness of breath".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lack of time

This alternative directly states the absence of sufficient time.

time constraint

Focuses on the limitation imposed by time.

limited time

Highlights the restricted amount of time available.

tight schedule

Suggests a busy and inflexible timeframe.

time scarcity

Emphasizes the rare or insufficient nature of time.

compressed timeframe

Indicates that the allowed duration is unusually brief.

exiguity of time

Formally suggests that something is only present to a tiny extent.

brief window

Implies a short opportunity or period.

temporal limitations

Scientifically suggests the boundaries that affect time.

pressure of time

Highlights the urgency and stress related to limited time.

FAQs

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

You can use "shortness of time" to explain why a task couldn't be completed or why certain compromises had to be made. For example, "Due to the "shortness of time", we had to simplify the design".

What are some alternatives to "shortness of time"?

Alternatives include "lack of time", "time constraint", or "limited time". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "shortness of time" in formal writing?

Yes, "shortness of time" is acceptable in formal writing. However, in some scientific context, options like "temporal limitations" could also be used.

What is the difference between "shortness of time" and "lack of time"?

While similar, "shortness of time" often implies a more urgent or pressured situation than "lack of time". "Lack of time" is a more general statement about not having enough time.