small amount of time

USAGE SUMMARY

"small amount of time" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to a limited amount of time in which to do something. For example: "I only had a small amount of time to finish the project, so I had to work quickly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Those of us in higher education have a small amount of time to stop and think.

The New York Times

They spend no small amount of time in bars, drinking away history.

The New York Times - Arts

What you have now is an amazing PR turnaround in an infinitesimally small amount of time".

The Guardian

He spends an admirably small amount of time discussing the Internet and reality television.

The New Yorker

And so for a small amount of time, Europa, for example, could de-freeze.

Cornell University

The key action happens over a vanishingly small amount of time, Davis said.

Harvard University

Lots of energy - and different energies - packed into a small amount of time!

Stanford University

Members get a small amount of time to ask questions and make their points.

The Washington Post

That's a very discrete, small amount of time to focus on, to figure out what the hell is going on.

The New Yorker

"The whole issue is you get completely crushed with enormous orders in a small amount of time," he says.

The New York Times - Tech

Delivering advice requires a small amount of time, but it engenders a sense of commitment that can be invaluable.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When emphasizing efficiency, use "small amount of time" to highlight how quickly something can be accomplished. For instance: 'Superb quality kits can be achieved in a "small amount of time" (see video).'

Common error

Avoid using "small amount of time" when the context requires emphasizing the significance of a short period. For example, in emergency situations, it's more effective to highlight the critical nature of the limited time available, rather than merely stating it's a small amount.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small amount of time" primarily functions as an adverbial modifier, indicating the duration or extent to which an action or event takes place. Ludwig examples showcase its use in various contexts, from describing the efficiency of completing tasks to emphasizing the limited window of opportunity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Academia

21%

Science

13%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "small amount of time" is a versatile phrase used to express a limited duration. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, including news, academia, and science. It functions primarily as an adverbial modifier to emphasize brevity and efficiency. While alternatives like "brief period" and "short duration" exist, "small amount of time" remains a widely accepted and understood way to convey the idea of a limited timeframe. When using this phrase, consider the context to ensure it accurately reflects the intended meaning and avoids any potential for misinterpretation. The phrase is suitable for both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

short duration

Focuses on the limited length of time.

limited time frame

Highlights the constrained nature of the time available.

brief period

Emphasizes the shortness of the duration.

restricted time

Stresses the limited and controlled aspect of the time.

short interval

Highlights a brief pause or break.

narrow window

Conveys a sense of opportunity that is limited in time.

fleeting moment

Implies a very brief and almost unnoticeable time.

compressed timeframe

Suggests that activities are done within a tight schedule.

quick spell

Suggests a short and swift period.

a moment

Is a very brief or short amount of time.

FAQs

How can I use "small amount of time" in a sentence?

You can use "small amount of time" to describe tasks or processes that don't require much time, such as, "Delivering advice requires a "small amount of time", but it engenders a sense of commitment that can be invaluable."

What are some alternatives to "small amount of time"?

You can use alternatives such as "brief period", "short duration", or "limited time frame" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "little amount of time" instead of "small amount of time"?

While both are understandable, "small amount of time" is more common and generally preferred in formal writing. "Little amount of time" is acceptable, but might sound slightly less natural to some speakers.

In what situations is it best to use "small amount of time"?

Use "small amount of time" when you want to emphasize that something can be done quickly or efficiently. It's effective when highlighting the brevity of a task or the speed of a process.