spell of time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "spell of time" is not commonly used in written English and may not be widely recognized.
It can be used to refer to a specific duration or period during which something occurs, often implying a sense of enchantment or significance. Example: "During the spell of time when the festival was held, the town transformed into a vibrant celebration of culture and community."

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

But there is a spell of time when children are innocent shoppers, choosing what they like rather than what they are told they need by peers and marketers.

The New York Times - Magazine

And that is before mentioning Wes Hoolahan, who was physically incapable of playing two full games in such a short spell of time in France.

The Guardian - Sport

The activities constituting a project are seldom carried out in sequential order, rather they can be spread out during a short or a long spell of time.

European Transport Research Review

The trick here is to use frequent mini-rewards to keep going from one small spell of time to the next (such as every 30 minutes).

Forbes

It's a lesson in self-awareness Solo travellers tend to meet numerous different personalities in a short spell of time, a valuable lesson in learning what you do and don't like about others - and yourself.

Huffington Post

There are now, somewhat ironically, a wealth of apps designed to help people use their phones and computers productively – from Self Control, which allows you to block certain websites for spell of time, to Stay On Task, which simply nudges you to check that you're getting on with whatever it is you're supposed to be doing.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

It was not, by any means, an unprecedented spell of time-wasting Mbappé would have been rightime-wasting Mbappéghts Serie A—but it wouldrutally effective.

The New Yorker

One of the stupidest pieces of advice I was given when I was pregnant was "sleep when the baby sleeps", as if you could just lie down, close your eyes and drop off for random spells of time at unpredictable intervals throughout the day and night.

The Guardian - Tech

In relation to the allegation that Aeddan Parry had spent long spells of time in the 'time out' room - which no longer exists - a council spokesperson added: "We the county council have never heard any suggestion or complaint that anyone has been locked in a room for the whole school day".

BBC

He had a lot of anxiety, and his dad and I just felt that time being outside for extended spells of time to play would help with his mental health, with his social skills, and we actually found that it made a huge difference to him, just to be able to have that break from school once a week". Dawn would like the local council to adopt a flexi-schooling policy.

BBC

Released in five episodes across 2015, Life Is Strange took the very relatable scenario of a teenager returning to her home town after several years away, reconnecting with the locals and an old best friend, and stirs in a healthy dollop of sci-fi protagonist Max disci-fi protagonistwind certain spells of tiMax to alter the outcomes of encounters both fraught andiscovers.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "spell of time", consider the context. It often implies a brief, significant, or even magical duration. If a neutral or longer period is meant, alternatives like "period of time" or "duration" may be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "spell of time" in formal writing or professional documents where clarity and directness are paramount. More straightforward alternatives like "period" or "duration" enhance readability and avoid any unintended connotations of enchantment or brevity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spell of time" functions as a noun phrase modifying another noun, typically describing a period or duration. As Ludwig AI pointed out, the phrase is not commonly used and may not be widely recognized.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "spell of time" refers to a specific duration or period. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, while grammatically correct, it's not a frequently used phrase and may sound somewhat literary or old-fashioned. The analysis of usage patterns shows that the phrase appears mostly in news and media contexts. For clearer and more direct communication, especially in formal writing, consider using alternatives like "period of time" or "duration of time". Keep in mind that the best choice depends on the specific context and the intended tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

period of time

Replaces "spell" with the more common "period", making the phrase more conventional.

duration of time

Uses "duration" instead of "spell", focusing on the length of the interval.

interval of time

Substitutes "spell" with "interval", highlighting a break or pause within a larger timeframe.

phase of time

Replaces "spell" with "phase", suggesting a stage or segment of time.

stretch of time

Uses "stretch" to emphasize the continuous nature of the time period.

expanse of time

Replaces "spell" with "expanse", indicating a broader or more extended duration.

segment of time

Substitutes "spell" with "segment", focusing on a portion or section of time.

window of time

Uses "window" to imply a limited opportunity or timeframe.

season of time

Replaces "spell" with "season", suggesting a recurring or cyclical period.

chapter of time

Substitutes "spell" with "chapter", framing the time period as part of a larger narrative.

FAQs

What does "spell of time" mean?

The phrase "spell of time" refers to a certain duration or period, often implying that something significant or noteworthy happened during that interval. It can suggest a sense of enchantment or importance.

Are there alternatives to "spell of time"?

Yes, you can use alternatives such as "period of time", "duration of time", or "interval of time" depending on the context.

Is "spell of time" formal or informal?

The phrase "spell of time" is generally considered neutral but can lean toward informal or literary depending on the context. In very formal settings, a more direct phrase like "period of time" may be preferred.

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

You can use "spell of time" to describe a specific duration. For example: "During the spell of time when the festival was held, the town transformed into a vibrant celebration."