Duration in English can be expressed using a variety of words and phrases, each with its own nuances and appropriate contexts. Here’s a comprehensive list that you can use to convey the length of time for which something lasts or is intended to last.
Basic Words for Duration
Moment: A very short period of time.
- Example: “I’ll just be a moment.”
Momentary: Lasting only for a very short time.
- Example: “The momentary lull in the storm was peaceful.”
Brief: Short in duration; not long.
- Example: “I had a brief conversation with him.”
Short: Not long; not extending much in space or time.
- Example: “The movie was only short.”
Temporary: Lasting only for a short time; not permanent.
- Example: “We’ll have a temporary solution for the problem.”
Short-term: Lasting for a short period of time.
- Example: “The short-term loan was approved.”
Briefly: In a short time; for a short time.
- Example: “She explained the concept briefly.”
Words for Longer Durations
Duration: The length of time that something lasts.
- Example: “The duration of the event was two hours.”
Long: Extending much in space or time; not short.
- Example: “The road trip was long and arduous.”
Extended: Made longer than usual.
- Example: “The company extended the deadline due to the holidays.”
Long-term: Lasting for a long period of time.
- Example: “The long-term plan includes several phases.”
Permanent: Continuing for ever; intended to last forever.
- Example: “The decision was made with the intention of being permanent.”
Eternal: Lasting forever; never ending.
- Example: “He believed in an eternal life after death.”
Expressing Specific Time Periods
Minute: A period of time equal to 60 seconds.
- Example: “It only took a minute to get to the store.”
Hour: A period of time equal to 60 minutes.
- Example: “I worked for 10 hours straight.”
Day: A period of time equal to 24 hours.
- Example: “She spent the whole day at the beach.”
Week: A period of time equal to seven days.
- Example: “We have a week to finish the project.”
Month: A period of time equal to about 30 to 31 days.
- Example: “The deadline is at the end of the month.”
Year: A period of time equal to 365 or 366 days, depending on whether it’s a leap year.
- Example: “She has lived in this city for 5 years.”
Phrases for Duration
For a while: For some time; for an unspecified length of time.
- Example: “I’ll be gone for a while.”
Over a period of time: Throughout a certain amount of time.
- Example: “The project was completed over a period of two years.”
Throughout the duration: Throughout the whole time.
- Example: “She worked throughout the duration of the project.”
Throughout the year: Throughout the entire year.
- Example: “She travels throughout the year.”
Using these words and phrases, you can effectively communicate the duration of events, actions, or periods in English. Remember that context is key, and the choice of words should match the tone and purpose of your communication.