the time used

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the time used" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the amount of time that has been allocated or consumed for a particular task or activity. Example: "The time used for the project exceeded our initial estimates, leading to delays in the overall timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was relatively new technology at the time, used to protect against fraud.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Everyone, everywhere, and all the time, used to laugh at me when I was growing up.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Lyle, who was 9 at the time, used to sew magazine bindings in the basement.

The New York Times

The company, very small at the time, used scheduled airlines to fly a few packages each day.

The Economist

Darlene Marzari, a social planner with the city at the time, used her position to sabotage the effort to win over Strathcona residents.

The Guardian

He said the off-duty paramedic, who was driving by at the time, used large scissors to break the window, cut the man's seatbelt and pull him out.

The Guardian - Film

Rather, the government of the time used the law in 1991 to jail thousands of farmers who were demanding cheaper electricity.

The New York Times

The South Yorkshire Police Federation secretary, Paul Middup, widely quoted in the media at the time, used the same phrase: "A tanked-up mob".

The Guardian - Sport

"But further research in Dutch distilling showed that that was indeed what many Dutch distillers at the time used, along with a very high proportion of rye".

The New York Times - Food

The business machines of the time used plugboards (something like telephone switchboards) to route data manually, and Aiken chose not to use them for the specification of instructions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Because the paper I worked for at the time used a system called WordPerfect, I set myself up at home with the same system.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing efficiency, quantify "the time used" with specific units (minutes, hours) for clarity. This allows for better comparison and analysis.

Common error

Avoid using "the time used" when a simpler term like "duration" or "period" is more appropriate. Consider the context to choose the most concise and effective wording.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the time used" functions primarily as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject or object in a sentence. It refers to a specific duration that has been allocated or consumed. Ludwig's examples demonstrate this function across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the time used" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed noun phrase used to describe the duration allocated to or consumed by an activity. With a neutral to professional register, it appears extensively in science, news, and formal business contexts. Ludwig's examples confirm its versatility and proper usage. To enhance clarity, quantify "the time used" with specific units and consider alternative terms like "duration" or "time spent" for conciseness when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the duration employed

Focuses on the length of time something was utilized, adding a sense of formality.

the period consumed

Highlights the idea that time has been fully used up or spent.

the interval allocated

Emphasizes that the time was specifically designated for a particular purpose.

the timeframe dedicated

Stresses the commitment of time to a specific task or activity.

the span invested

Suggests that time was put into something with the expectation of a return or outcome.

the hours devoted

Implies a significant amount of time was given to a particular cause or activity.

the minutes expended

Focuses on the action of using up time, often implying effort or energy.

the resources timed

Highlights the measurement and allocation of time as a resource.

the scheduling involved

Indicates the time was integrated into a larger plan or schedule.

the opportunity elapsed

Implies that time passed and an opportunity has now gone.

FAQs

How can I use "the time used" in a sentence?

You can use "the time used" to refer to the duration spent on a particular activity. For example, "The time used for the experiment was longer than expected".

What are some alternatives to "the time used"?

Alternatives include "duration", "time spent", or "time allocated", depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "the time used"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct and commonly used in various contexts, as evidenced by numerous examples. It is considered standard English.

What is the difference between "the time used" and "the time spent"?

"The time used" generally refers to the total duration employed for an activity. "The time spent" often emphasizes the effort or experience gained during that duration. The phrases are very similar and often interchangeable but you may consider these differences when choosing which to use.