small period

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "small period" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a brief duration of time or a short interval in various contexts. Example: "The project requires a small period of time for completion, so we need to work efficiently."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"All this represents a small period of absence.

The New York Times

In a series of small period rooms Crandall's compelling story unfolds.

The New York Times - Travel

They just needed to regroup and move forward again, and they needed support for a very small period of time.

The New York Times

Apart from a small period in the second half we did not suffer from Spain's ball possession".

The Guardian - Sport

Amanda [Abbington, his partner] says there was a small period when she felt that I believed it a bit.

The Guardian

In a relatively small period of time, you want it to be, That's funny, that's funny, that's funny, that's funny.

The New Yorker

"It's like a storm for a small period of time, and there's another story coming," Mattingly said.

The New York Times - Sports

"I'm amazed at the continual level of discovery coming from pictures made in such a small period of time".

The New York Times - Arts

I don't know how much he was willing to… I mean, there was a small period where he was getting help but then he really avoided it.

The New Yorker

Performed by a small period string ensemble and a cast of early-music stars, it offered transparent textures, stylish ornamentation and brisk but well judged tempos.

The New York Times - Arts

"Stream rises are the main concern, not necessarily flooding with large volumes of rain in a small period of time," he told the Nine Network on Monday.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the duration of an event or process, consider using "small period" to clearly indicate that it's of a limited or short timeframe.

Common error

Avoid repeatedly using "small" to describe time. Vary your language with synonyms like "brief", "short", or "limited" to maintain reader engagement and avoid monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small period" primarily functions as an adjective-noun phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a limited duration. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatical and commonly used, and is found in many examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "small period" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to denote a limited duration. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and broad applicability across diverse contexts, from News & Media to Scientific research. Its usage is appropriate in neutral registers and it’s important to not overuse the word "small". Alternative expressions like "short duration" or "brief time" can be employed for variety. The phrase effectively communicates the concept of a concise timeframe in various situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

short duration

Emphasizes the limited length of time, offering a direct synonym for "period".

limited duration

Emphasizes the limited length of time, offering a direct synonym for "period".

brief time

Focuses on the brevity of the time involved, similar to "small period" but more concise.

brief span

Uses "span" as a synonym for "period", emphasizing the extent or range of time.

short interval

Focuses on the space between events or points in time, offering a more technical or precise alternative.

limited time frame

Highlights the restricted boundaries of the time involved, adding a sense of constraint.

modest time frame

Emphasis on the restricted boundaries of the time involved, adding a sense of constraint.

narrow window

Implies a limited opportunity within a specific timeframe, adding a sense of urgency or importance.

small window of time

Synonymous to narrow window, adding a sense of urgency or importance.

fleeting moment

Suggests a very short and transient instance, highlighting its ephemeral nature.

FAQs

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

You can use "small period" to describe a brief duration of time, as in: "The project requires a "small period" of focused work to complete."

What are some alternatives to "small period"?

Some alternatives include "brief time", "short duration", or "limited time frame", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "small period of time" or "short period of time"?

Both "small period of time" and "short period of time" are grammatically correct and widely used. The choice depends on personal preference and the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does "small period" mean in a scientific context?

In scientific contexts, "small period" often refers to a brief interval or phase within an experiment, study, or observation. For example, it might describe a "small period" during which data is collected or a treatment is applied.