tract of time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tract of time" is not commonly used in written English and may not be widely recognized.
It could be used when referring to a specific duration or period, but it may sound awkward or unclear to some readers. Example: "During that long tract of time, many changes occurred in the organization."

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Summer was once an endless tract of time.

The New York Times

Later, I'd picked up a book about Ötzi, and found myself drawn in by the heroic pathos of this ur-Alpinist, whose preserved body and effects individuated him with eerie clarity through the vast tract of time since he died.

The New Yorker

The philosopher and psychologist William James observed in 1890 that "a tract of time empty of experiences seems long in passing, but in retrospect short".

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Organisations regularly tell me that they spend vast tracts of time studying employee remuneration, yet I never hear of anyone acting on this knowledge.

The Guardian

On his rather startling write-off of video art, conceptual art and performance art one can't help feeling that this this a rather de haut-en-bas attitude, and to write off entire categories of artistic practice is, while bracing, also a little foolish, especially as Penny does not give the impression of having spent large tracts of time studying such work.

The Guardian

Every writer has experienced those tracts of time, those beloved fugue states, so much better than a chemical high.

Huffington Post

IT was "Satan's favorite TV show," according to a religious tract of the time.

The New York Times - Arts

For now though, Cucumber/Banana looks like being the next definitive gay tract of our times.

The Guardian

His talk reminded me of the time I won the school essay prize for a tract on time-wasting.

The New Yorker

Few practitioners of the form seem prepared to learn from any writer later than Scott, though Virginia Woolf in Orlando (1928) and Between the Acts (1941)—made bold attempts to squeeze vast tracts of historical time into a small space and thus make them as fictionally manageable as the events of a single day.

Encyclopedia Britannica

By James Surowiecki The New Yorker, October 30, 2000 P. 46 Talk story about the flaws of vertical integration and the more-recently discovered flaws of its successor, just-in-time manufacturing... Describes Henry Ford's Fordlandia, on a tract of land three times the size of Rhode Island, in the Amazon jungle..

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "tract of time", consider whether a more common phrase like "period of time" or "span of time" would be clearer and more readily understood by your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "tract of time" excessively in contemporary writing. While grammatically correct, it can sound archaic or overly formal. Opt for more modern alternatives for a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tract of time" functions as a noun phrase modifying a period or duration. It specifies a segment of time, often implying a considerable or significant length. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is not commonly used.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "tract of time" is a relatively uncommon way to refer to a period or duration. While grammatically sound, it may sound somewhat formal or archaic in contemporary writing. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase isn't frequently used. Alternative phrases like "period of time" or "span of time" may be clearer and more widely understood. Its usage spans across News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias sources, suggesting a neutral to formal register. When writing, consider your audience and the desired tone before opting for the phrase "tract of time".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

period of time

Emphasizes a defined duration, focusing on the length rather than the character of the time.

span of time

Highlights the extent or duration of the time, often used in a more general sense.

stretch of time

Conveys a sense of extended duration, often implying a continuous period.

duration

Refers specifically to the length of time that something lasts.

interval of time

Suggests a specific, measurable period between two points.

timeframe

Implies a defined period within which events occur or are planned.

phase

Highlights a specific stage or segment within a broader timeframe.

era

Suggests a significant historical or cultural period, longer than a "tract of time".

age

Refers to a very long period, often associated with historical or geological epochs.

season

Indicates a recurring period associated with specific activities or characteristics.

FAQs

What does "tract of time" mean?

"Tract of time" refers to a specific duration or period. It's similar to saying "period of time" or "span of time".

How can I use "tract of time" in a sentence?

You can use "tract of time" to describe a particular duration. For example: "During that long "tract of time", many changes occurred."

What are some alternatives to "tract of time"?

Some alternatives to "tract of time" include "period of time", "span of time", or "duration", depending on the specific context.

Is "tract of time" a common phrase?

The phrase "tract of time" is not as common as alternatives like "period of time" or "span of time". It may sound somewhat formal or archaic to some readers.