spend extensive time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "spend extensive time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the amount of time dedicated to a particular activity or task. Example: "To master a new language, one must spend extensive time practicing speaking and listening skills."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

They often include staff members who can spend extensive time in the child's home, and respite care when parents are at wit's end.

The New York Times

While many of the school's training aids — including the shell that Private Stanley and Airman Oliver were examining — are inert, the students spend extensive time on ranges, learning to handle and rig explosives.

The New York Times

I also stressed the artifice behind the video production – that I was reading, that my usually quite hesitant speech could be overcome this way and through edits, that I had to spend extensive time on both producing it and getting it in a format that I could share.

Video Journal of Education and Pedagogy

Entrepreneurs must spend extensive time raising funds.

Huffington Post

Until recently, infections from the disease largely seemed to occur in patients who had direct contact with an infected camel, which is believed to be the source of the disease, or with health care workers who spend extensive time with the most ill patients.

Huffington Post

Trail ants did not spend extensive time walking in the understory.

BMC Ecology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The few exceptions have nearly all spent extensive time in these cities.

The Economist

O'Brien, 42, is not a household name to college football fans, but he spent extensive time as a college assistant.

The New York Times - Sports

Jason Stearns, a researcher who has spent extensive time in eastern Congo, said the recent integration effort "has led to a deep ethnicization of the army".

The New York Times

No other family or friends who spent extensive time with Roof at the mobile home have received target letters, Fry said.

The Guardian

Since I've spent extensive time in Japan, I wanted to use yuzu fruit, which is similar to Meyer lemon in its flavor profile.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "spend extensive time", ensure that the context clearly indicates the purpose or benefit of allocating that time. This adds depth and relevance to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "spend extensive time" without specifying the activity or reason. For example, instead of saying "They spend extensive time", clarify with "They spend extensive time researching the topic."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spend extensive time" functions as a verb phrase, where "spend" is the main verb indicating the action of using time, "extensive" is an adjective modifying the noun "time", signifying a large quantity. Ludwig confirms that is commonly used.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

32%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "spend extensive time" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression for indicating the allocation of a considerable amount of time to an activity. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase appears across various contexts, including news, science, and general discourse. While the phrase is valid, it's crucial to provide context about the activity or reason behind spending that time to enhance clarity. Alternatives like "dedicate a lot of time" or "invest a significant amount of time" can be used based on the specific emphasis required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dedicate a lot of time

Emphasizes dedication rather than merely spending time.

invest a significant amount of time

Highlights the investment aspect of time, implying a return.

devote considerable time

Stresses the commitment and allocation of time.

allocate substantial time

Focuses on the allocation and planning of time.

put in considerable hours

Highlights the effort quantified by hours.

immerse oneself for hours

Indicates a deep and engaging involvement over time.

labor extensively

Emphasizes hard work and effort over a long duration.

linger for extended periods

Focuses on prolonging the duration of stay or activity.

occupy oneself for hours

Highlights being engaged or busy for a long time.

persevere through countless hours

Highlights persistence and endurance over a long duration.

FAQs

How can I use "spend extensive time" in a sentence?

You can use "spend extensive time" to describe dedicating a significant amount of time to a specific activity. For example: "Researchers "spend extensive time" analyzing the data."

What are some alternatives to "spend extensive time"?

Alternatives include phrases like "dedicate a lot of time", "invest a significant amount of time", or "devote considerable time", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "spend a lot of time" or "spend extensive time"?

"Spend a lot of time" is more general, while ""spend extensive time"" implies a particularly large or significant amount of time dedicated to something. The best choice depends on the degree of emphasis you want to place on the time commitment.

What is the difference between "spend extensive time" and "spend considerable time"?

The difference is subtle. Both indicate dedicating a good amount of time. "Extensive" suggests thoroughness and broad scope, whereas "considerable" emphasizes the substantial nature of the time spent. Both ""spend extensive time"" and "spend considerable time" are grammatically correct.