term of

USAGE SUMMARY

"term of" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is commonly used to describe a specific length of time or a certain condition or agreement. Example: "The students were only allowed to use their phones during the designated term of the exam, which lasted two hours."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A term of endearment?

The New York Times

But that is a term of art.

The Economist

It is a term of affection.

The New York Times

"Dependency" became the new term of art.

The New Yorker

"Casual," here, is a term of art.

The New Yorker

ROSS: It's a term of endearment.

The New Yorker

Ally is a legal term of art.

The New York Times

The five-year term of Pres.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In his final term of office, Pres.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is an irreverent term of affection.

Independent

First term of government.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "term of" to refer to a period, be specific about the start and end dates to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of "the term of the agreement", specify "the term of the agreement from January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2025".

Common error

Avoid using "term of" when "terms of" is required. "Term of" refers to a duration or condition, while "terms of" refers to the specific conditions or stipulations within an agreement. For instance, use "terms of the contract" to discuss the specific clauses, not "term of the contract".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "term of" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun, specifying the duration, condition, or limit associated with that noun. It's widely used to define the scope or timeframe, as demonstrated by Ludwig AI's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Academia

32%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "term of" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to specify duration, conditions, or limitations, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions to clarify the scope or timeframe associated with a noun. Predominantly found in "News & Media", "Academia", and "Science", its formality ranges from neutral to professional depending on the context. When using "term of", ensure clarity and avoid confusion with "terms of", which refers to stipulations within agreements. With common usage across various domains, mastering "term of" enhances precision in both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

duration of

Focuses specifically on the length of time something lasts.

period of

Similar to duration, but can also refer to a distinct segment of time.

length of

Emphasizes the extent or measure of time.

stipulation of

Highlights a specific condition or requirement.

condition of

Focuses on a necessary requirement or state of something.

provision of

Refers to a specific clause or arrangement.

span of

Highlights a continuous period of time.

tenure of

Relates to the holding of an office or position.

timeframe of

Emphasizes the specific window of time.

interval of

Refers to a specific amount of time between events.

FAQs

How can I use "term of" in a sentence?

The phrase "term of" is used to specify a duration, a condition, or an agreement's period. For example: "The "term of the loan" is five years", or "The "term of employment" is contingent upon successful completion of the training program".

What's the difference between "term of" and "terms of"?

"Term of" indicates a duration or condition, while "terms of" refers to the provisions or stipulations of an agreement or contract. Consider: "the "term of the contract"" vs. "the "terms of the contract"".

What are some synonyms for "term of" when referring to a time period?

Alternatives to "term of" when referring to a time period include "duration of", "period of", or "length of". For example, "the duration of the lease" is similar to "the term of the lease".

Is it correct to use "term of" to describe someone's office?

Yes, "term of" can accurately describe the duration of someone's office. For instance, "the "term of office" for the president is four years".