Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
smallest duration of
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "smallest duration of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the least amount of time required for an event or process. Example: "The smallest duration of the experiment was recorded at five minutes."
✓ Grammatically correct
Alternative expressions(4)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
60 human-written examples
Another limitation may be the small duration of the treatment.
Concerning the arm posture, flexion and abduction, the "acceptable" classification was attributed to the small duration of its recovery period.
Science
The fact that the performance did not suffer much may be explained by the small duration of the recordings used in this study.
The repairman will return to the first machine after rendering its service to each of all other failed machines present in the queue for the fixed (pre-specified) small duration of time.
However, the repetitive observations of the same XTEM specimen after a series of sequential small duration of ion milling allow us to observe different areas with MWCNT network embedded in the SiN matrix.
Science
This means the companion is still very early on the main sequence, and therefore the effect of this small duration of stellar evolution on the structure and composition of the companion is negligible.
The statistics required are as follows 1) a small duration of time (∼50 ms) in which contrast changes do not exceed that of the upcoming target, therefore providing an unadapted 'off' phase.
Science
However, this misclassification is unlikely to be important given that such a small duration of therapy would be unlikely to change the risk of cancer.
Science
Length of T cell responses in all compartments would increase with the increase in time periods between successive vaccinations and then drop to zero in about 60 to 100 days after the last vaccination for all four cases with a smaller duration of response for longer time between successive immunizations.
Science
Surface morphologies of the fabricated layer were comparatively flat for small durations of anodization, but small cracks were generated when anodizing for over 120 min.
Frequent attacks of migraine (of smaller duration) in a day were not in favor of migraine.
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When describing experiments or processes, specify the units of time (seconds, minutes, hours) to provide clarity regarding the "smallest duration of" the event.
Common error
Avoid using vague terms like "a short time" without quantifying it. Instead, specify the "smallest duration of" time with precise measurements for better understanding.
Source & Trust
60%
Authority and reliability
3.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "smallest duration of" functions as a noun phrase that serves to specify a period or interval with a minimal temporal extent. Ludwig indicates it's grammatically correct.
Frequent in
Science
0%
News & Media
0%
Formal & Business
0%
Less common in
Science
0%
News & Media
0%
Formal & Business
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "smallest duration of" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to express a minimum time frame. Ludwig indicates the phrase is usable, though real-world examples are currently absent. While its formality can vary, it's commonly found in more technical and scientific contexts. Consider using alternatives like "minimum time frame" or "shortest time span" for variety. When using this phrase, ensure that you specify the units of time to provide clear context. The absence of examples suggests that more specific or common variations might be preferred.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
least possible duration
Replaces "smallest" with "least possible", emphasizing the lower limit of time.
shortest possible time
Similar to 'least possible duration' but focuses on "time" instead of "duration"
shortest time span
Replaces "duration" with "time span" and "smallest" with "shortest", emphasizing the length of time.
minimal time interval
Uses "time interval" instead of "duration" and "minimal" instead of "smallest", highlighting the measured period.
minimum time frame
Uses "time frame" instead of "duration" and "minimum" instead of "smallest", focusing on the established period.
smallest time window
Replaces "duration" with "time window", focusing on a specific slot of time.
briefest period of time
Replaces "duration" with "period of time" and "smallest" with "briefest", highlighting the limited time.
minimum period
Simplifies the phrase by using only "minimum period", focusing on established time.
least amount of time
Emphasizes the quantity of time rather than the length, using "least amount" instead of "smallest duration".
shortest length of time
Focuses on the length of time, substituting "duration" with "length of time" and "smallest" with "shortest".
FAQs
How can I use "smallest duration of" in a sentence?
You can use "smallest duration of" to specify the shortest amount of time something takes or lasts. For example, "The smallest duration of the experiment was five minutes".
What is a synonym for "smallest duration of"?
Alternatives for "smallest duration of" include "minimum time frame", "shortest time span", or "briefest period of time".
Is it better to use "minimum duration of" or "smallest duration of"?
"Minimum duration of" and "smallest duration of" are very similar. "Minimum" may sound more formal or technical, while "smallest" is slightly more general and straightforward. Choose the one that fits the context best.
Can "shortest duration of" be used interchangeably with "smallest duration of"?
Yes, "shortest duration of" can often be used interchangeably with "smallest duration of", especially when referring to the least amount of time something lasts.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
60%
Authority and reliability
3.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested