unit of time

USAGE SUMMARY

"unit of time" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to a brief period or interval of time such as a minute, hour, day, week, etc. For example, "I was able to finish the project in a single unit of time."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

This provides the fundamental unit of time.

Encyclopedia Britannica

KARDASH A unit of time measuring 72 days.

The New York Times

The unit of time equivalent to the ordinary or normal short sound or syllable.

The New York Times - Tech

Baseball has translated minutes and seconds into its own unit of time: outs.

The New York Times

It turns out that seven minutes, as a unit of time, has elemental and panacean properties.

The New Yorker

Week, period of seven days, a unit of time artificially devised with no astronomical basis.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Did you get any estimates of volume escaping per unit of time?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Both magazines are part of the Time Inc. unit of Time Warner.

The New York Times

Time is a unit of Time Warner.

The New York Times

Both People and Entertainment Weekly are published by Time Inc., a unit of Time Warner.

The New York Times

No comment from Hearst, Condé Nast or Time Inc., a unit of Time Warner TWXX).

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "unit of time" in technical writing, clearly define what that unit represents (e.g., seconds, minutes, hours) to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "unit of time" automatically refers to a standard measurement like seconds or minutes. Always specify the scale relevant to your context to prevent miscommunication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "unit of time" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a modifier or specifier to indicate a standardized measurement or segment within temporal contexts. This is affirmed by Ludwig which confirms its correct and usable presence in the English language.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

26%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

7%

Unknown/unmatched sources

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "unit of time" is a versatile phrase functioning as a noun phrase used to define a standardized measurement of temporal duration. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is both correct and commonly used in English. Primarily found in scientific, news, and encyclopedic contexts, it serves to quantify and specify periods, demanding clarity to avoid ambiguity. For alternatives, "time interval" or "duration" offer similar meanings. When employing this phrase, ensure you specify the scale to prevent misinterpretation, and appreciate its contribution to precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

time interval

Focuses on the space between two points in time.

time period

Emphasizes a continuous stretch of time with a defined start and end.

duration

Highlights the length of time that something lasts.

time frame

Suggests a set amount of time within which something occurs.

increment of time

Implies a small, measurable increase in time.

segment of time

Indicates a portion of a larger time span.

time slot

Denotes a specific, allocated period.

measure of time

Highlights the quantification aspect of time.

cycle

Describes one complete sequence of events that repeats.

specified time

Indicates a time that has been named explicitly.

FAQs

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

You can use "unit of time" to specify intervals or measurements in various contexts. For example, "The cost is calculated per "unit of time", such as per hour or per day."

What's the difference between "unit of time" and "time period"?

"Unit of time" refers to a standard increment used for measurement, like seconds or minutes. "Time period" refers to a continuous duration with a start and end, which can be composed of multiple units of time.

What can I say instead of "unit of time" in a formal context?

In formal contexts, consider alternatives like "time interval", "duration", or "time frame" for increased precision.

Is "unit in time" grammatically correct compared to "unit of time"?

"Unit in time" is not a standard or commonly accepted phrase. "Unit of time" is the correct and idiomatic way to express a standard measure of temporal duration.