this much time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this much time" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to refer to a specific amount of time or a general amount of time. For example, "We have been waiting for this much time, but the train still hasn't come."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We've never had this much time!" he declared with delight.

The New Yorker

I've never spent this much time with my husband".

The New Yorker

Did Marilyn really have this much time on her hands?

The New York Times - Food

Squint at that calendar and you can see how the business has to work: this much time to raise money, this much time to knock on doors, this much time you want your campaign on TV and so on.

The New York Times

In my defense, I didn't think I would spend quite this much time in China.

The New York Times

I have no spent this much time in the gym before any fight in my life".

Independent

To be out of work this much time with this economy is tough".

The New York Times

You can't not love a subject you've dedicated this much time to.

The New York Times - Arts

It is unlikely that the luxury of this much time will ever be available again.

The New York Times

There is no reason to spend this much time doing something if you don't deeply care about it.

University of California, Berkeley

When you spend this much time with someone, you end up getting involved in all aspects of each other's lives".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this much time" to refer to a specific duration that has already been mentioned or is understood in the context. For example: "We've allocated two hours for the meeting. Don't spend more than this much time on each topic."

Common error

Ensure the reference point for "this much time" is clear to your audience. Avoid using the phrase without establishing a prior context or measurement to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this much time" functions as a determiner phrase specifying a particular quantity of time. As confirmed by Ludwig, it correctly indicates a specific or general amount of time. Examples show its use in varied contexts, from discussing project timelines to personal experiences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

18%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

5%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this much time" is a versatile and commonly used expression that denotes a specific or understood duration. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability. Predominantly found in "News & Media", but also in "Science" and "Academia", it serves to quantify and reference periods, offering a neutral tone suitable for diverse contexts. While alternatives like "this amount of time" or "so much time" exist, the key to effective use lies in ensuring clarity of reference to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this amount of time

Highlights the measured quantity of time.

so much time

Similar in meaning, but can imply a surprising or excessive amount of time.

this length of time

Directly relates to the measurement of duration.

this duration

Focuses on the length of the period.

this span of time

Focuses on the interval between two points in time.

this period

Emphasizes a specific segment of time.

this quantity of time

Stresses a measurable or quantifiable aspect of time.

this extent of time

Highlights the magnitude or scope of the time involved.

such a long time

Implies the time is perceived as lengthy.

a considerable amount of time

Suggests a significant and noteworthy duration.

FAQs

How can I use "this much time" in a sentence?

You can use "this much time" to refer to a specific duration. For instance, "I didn't realize it would take "this much time" to complete the project."

What are some alternatives to "this much time"?

Alternatives include "this amount of time", "so much time", or "this duration", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "this much time" or should I use "that much time"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "this much time" usually refers to a duration closer to the speaker or the present moment, while "that much time" refers to something further away or in the past.

When is it appropriate to use "this much time" in formal writing?

While generally suitable for most contexts, ensure clarity and precision in formal writing. If the duration is critical, specifying the exact time frame is preferable to using "this much time".