specify a timeframe

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "specify a timeframe" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when asking someone to define a specific period or deadline for a task or event. Example: "Please specify a timeframe for when you expect the project to be completed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Woo did not specify a timeframe or target for the reduction, Reuters reported, but noted that labor costs had more than doubled since 2010, when the company faced intense media scrutiny following a spate of worker suicides.

The Guardian - Tech

Ideally, the Bank of England might like to specify a timeframe over which it plans to close the gap, or the precise annual growth rate of NGDP it feels is appropriate in attaining its goal.

The Economist

Reed Hastings, Netflix's chief executive, told business school students in Manhattan last week that the company would try a couple of dozen original series in the coming years, but did not specify a timeframe; Netflix had previously said that five such series would premiere by the end of 2013.

The New York Times

Cliqz founder and CEO Jean-Paul Schmetz tells TechCrunch the plan is to take Cliqz to other countries in future — although he did not specify a timeframe for that expansion.

TechCrunch

In the email, the company did not specify a timeframe other than "over the next few weeks" and stopped short of saying which markets would be gaining support for paid apps.

TechCrunch

Clinical practice guidelines in Australia and the United Kingdom (UK) do not specify a timeframe for at-risk persons (aged 50 years or over) to seek medical advice for primary symptoms of CRC [ 79, 80].

BMC Gastroenterology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

No The Fédération International de Gymnastique has not specified a timeframe for reaching a decision on eligible athletes.

The Guardian - Sport

Rather than specify a recall timeframe (say the last 3 months) we simply asked informants to recall whether they linked with a listed agency, then "in general" how often they linked and how effective they rated that link.

BMC Health Services Research

This finding suggests that a longer timeframe are required to capture the cold impact, and that it may be inappropriate to specify a priori identical timeframe for cold and hot exposure.

Environmental Health: A Global Access Science Source

A couple of participants (n = 2; 11%) reported thinking about when their redness was the worst but did not specify a 24-h timeframe.

Journal of Patient-Reported Outcomes

Specify a folder for "homework".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "specify a timeframe", be precise about the start and end dates to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "complete it soon", specify "complete it by October 26th".

Common error

Avoid using overly general or relative terms when you "specify a timeframe". Saying "as soon as possible" or "in the near future" leaves room for misinterpretation. Always use concrete dates or durations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "specify a timeframe" functions as a verb phrase. It is used to express the action of defining or indicating a particular period within which something should occur. As indicated by Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

50%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "specify a timeframe" is a grammatically sound and useful expression for defining a period or deadline. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While not exceedingly common, it finds frequent use across diverse fields like news, science, and project management. It's important to use precise language when defining timeframes to avoid misunderstandings. Related phrases such as "set a deadline" and "indicate a duration" offer similar but nuanced ways to express temporal boundaries. In essence, it's an effective method to avoid vagueness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

define a period

Focuses on setting clear boundaries for a duration.

set a deadline

Emphasizes establishing a final point in time for completion.

indicate a duration

Suggests pointing out the length of something.

stipulate a term

Implies a formal condition or requirement regarding time.

designate a window

Highlights a specific period allocated for an activity.

establish a schedule

Involves creating a plan that includes timing for events.

prescribe a duration

Suggests giving instruction about the extent of time required.

determine a span

Highlights finding out the length of something.

allocate a period

Focuses on assigning a certain amount of time for something.

nominate a phase

Emphasizes identifying a specific stage in a process or project that is limited in time.

FAQs

How do I "specify a timeframe" in project management?

In project management, "specify a timeframe" by setting clear start and end dates for each task and milestone. This helps in tracking progress and ensuring timely completion. For example, you can "set a deadline" for the completion of initial research.

What's the difference between "specify a timeframe" and "set a deadline"?

"Specify a timeframe" is broader and refers to defining the duration of an activity or project. "Set a deadline" is narrower and refers to establishing the final date for completion. You would "define a period" for a whole project but "set a deadline" for specific tasks.

How can I "specify a timeframe" effectively in a contract?

In a contract, "specify a timeframe" by including explicit dates or durations for deliverables and obligations. This avoids disputes and ensures all parties are clear on the timelines. You must "stipulate a term" in order to define the agreement.

What are some alternatives to "specify a timeframe" in formal writing?

In formal writing, instead of "specify a timeframe", you can use more formal alternatives such as "designate a window", "prescribe a duration", or "indicate a duration" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.