vast amounts of time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "vast amounts of time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or extensive duration of time, often in contexts discussing projects, experiences, or historical events. Example: "The construction of the ancient pyramids took vast amounts of time, reflecting the dedication and effort of the workers involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

Estate issues consume vast amounts of time and money – and prompt emotional debate – within universities.

The Guardian

But all this involved numerous species and vast amounts of time.

The Guardian - Opinion

He recalled a student who spent vast amounts of time pining for a particular celebrity.

The New Yorker

In doing so, let's not underestimate the role of vast amounts of time on the likelihood of seemingly improbably events.

The Guardian

So they spend vast amounts of time stuffing and lubricating clients in private booths in swish restaurants.

The Economist

Students spend vast amounts of time and money to move up in the queue for good jobs.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

I used to spend such a vast amount of time out, day and night.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A vast amount of time was apparently expended on it – long enough, in fact, for an entire "folk-pop" album to be recorded and scrapped.

The Guardian - Music

"We spend such a vast amount of time at our office so it needs to be great place to be," he tells me.

The Guardian

Splicing these sounds together consumed a vast amount of time and could also lead to an accumulation of errors and deterioration of the sound.

Encyclopedia Britannica

All the same, Mr Miliband's late flourishing should make them regret the vast amount of time they have spent deriding him.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the resources needed for a task, pair "vast amounts of time" with equally significant resources like money or effort to emphasize the scale of investment.

Common error

Avoid using "vast amounts of time" when describing relatively short tasks. The phrase is best reserved for situations involving genuinely long durations or extensive projects.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "vast amounts of time" primarily functions as a noun phrase, quantifying an extensive or significant duration. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used. It modifies verbs to indicate the duration of an activity, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "vast amounts of time" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to emphasize the extensive duration needed for a task or event. As Ludwig AI confirms, this expression is versatile and appears across various contexts, from News & Media to Science. When using this phrase, ensure the context genuinely involves a significant duration to avoid overuse. Consider using alternatives like "considerable time period" or "substantial period" for variety. Be mindful of the scope and pair it with other significant resources when appropriate. The phrase conveys the sense of an extended timeframe and immense dedication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a great deal of time

Alternative emphasizes the quantity of time involved.

substantial period

Highlights the significance of the time period.

prolonged period

Indicates a long-lasting time.

extensive time frame

Stresses the breadth of the time frame.

considerable time period

Emphasizes the length of the time period.

lengthy duration

Focuses on the extended duration.

significant time span

Highlights that the duration of time is of big importance.

long stretch of time

Implies a continuous and extended duration.

appreciable time

Highlights that it is enough time to matter.

endless hours

Implies that time has no end.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "vast amounts of time" in a sentence?

Use "vast amounts of time" to highlight a significant duration required for a task, process, or event. For example, "Researching this topic took "a great deal of time"".

What are some alternatives to "vast amounts of time"?

Consider using alternatives like "considerable time period", "lengthy duration", or "substantial period" to vary your language and suit the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "vast amounts of time" in formal writing?

Yes, "vast amounts of time" is suitable for formal writing, especially when emphasizing the scale and duration involved in a project or study. It conveys a sense of significant investment and effort.

Can "vast amounts of time" be used when discussing historical events?

Yes, "vast amounts of time" is often used to describe the long periods over which historical or geological events unfold, highlighting the immense timescale involved.