timescale

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "timescale" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used whenever you are referring to the amount of time needed to complete a task or process. For example, "We need to set a specific timescale for this project to ensure it is completed on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

To stop people shivering in their homes in a reasonable timescale, we need a programme that will start by insulating 4 million homes by 2020, including grant funding for 2 million of the UK's poorest households.

The Guardian - Opinion

But Osborne made clear he aims to rob Balls of his ability to focus the next election on the coalition's struggle to achieve growth – and thereby its failure to tackle the deficit on a faster timescale – by amending the government's fiscal rules to achieve a budget surplus by the end of the next parliament.

The Guardian

But the whistleblower claims a special team was set up – partly based at a Leicester call centre – to fast forward this process so that investigations to locate people would be launched, and the money then taken into company accounts over a much shorter timescale.

The Guardian - Money

On that timescale, Labour should brace itself for at least another decade in the cold.

The Guardian - Opinion

Tyrie's intervention will put further pressure on the bank to reveal the scope and timescale of its investigation into the impact of an EU referendum.

The Guardian - Business

The changes will have two elements: The fiscal mandate – the targeting of the structural budget deficit – will have to be assessed on a shorter timescale of two or three years.

The Guardian

A Treasury source said that shortening the timescale from five years to two or three would make it a "much more binding target".

The Guardian

For a carbon price to work on a very short timescale it would have to be very high, which may or may not be economically problematic but would surely be politically inoperative.

The Economist

Yet Mr Hatoyama has made clear that he does not understand the word "expeditiously" to bind him to a specific timescale.

The Economist

One option would be to lower the unemployment rule to 6.5%; another to set out, as the Federal Reserve does, a likely timescale for a rate rise.

The Economist

The sweeping timescale of its story, from ancient glory to medieval decline, from Ottoman empire to British occupation, from socialist revolution to modern money-grabbers, is held together by a loose, connecting thread: the contrast and conflict between cosmopolitan, multi-faceted Cairo and its traditional, native heart.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "timescale", specify whether you are referring to a short, medium, or long timeframe to provide clarity and context for your readers.

Common error

Avoid using "timescale" when you actually want to express urgency. "Timescale" refers to the duration; for urgency, consider terms like "immediate" or "expedited" action.

Linguistic Context

The word "timescale" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a period of time within which a process occurs or is completed. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, highlighting its role in setting the duration for various activities and projects, as shown in the examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Encyclopedias

22%

Science

24%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "timescale" is a noun that denotes a period of time over which something happens or is planned. According to Ludwig AI, the term is grammatically sound and widely used across different contexts. It is frequently employed in news and media, encyclopedias, and scientific domains. While it's a common term, being specific about the length of the "timescale" enhances clarity. Alternatives like "time frame" and "duration" can be used depending on the desired emphasis. Remember that "timescale" specifies duration, not urgency.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

time frame

Focuses more on the boundaries of the duration, rather than the scale itself.

schedule

Emphasizes the planned order and timing of events within a duration.

time horizon

Often used in financial or investment contexts to refer to the period considered for planning.

duration

A more general term indicating the length of time something lasts.

period

Refers to a specific segment of time, often with defined start and end points.

lead time

Denotes the time between the initiation and completion of a process.

deadline

Highlights the latest possible time for completing something.

time allotment

Focuses on the amount of time allocated for a specific task or activity.

span of time

A broader term indicating a length of time without specific implications.

window of opportunity

Highlights a limited period where specific actions are possible or advantageous.

FAQs

How can I use "timescale" in a sentence?

"Timescale" is used to refer to the period of time over which something happens or is expected to happen. For example, "The project's "timescale" is three months."

What's a synonym for "timescale"?

Alternatives for "timescale" include "time frame", "time horizon", or "duration". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "timescale" and "timeline"?

"Timescale" refers to the duration over which something occurs, while "timeline" is a visual representation of events in chronological order.

Is it correct to say "short timescale" or "long timescale"?

Yes, it is correct. You can use adjectives like "short", "long", or "medium" to specify the length of the "timescale" you are referring to.