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Learning English Grammar | time words


English grammar common mistakes | using time words

The effects will only be seen over a long duration. [incorrect]
The effects will only be seen over a long period of time. [correct]

Managers are expected to work for a long time. [incorrect]
Manageres are expected to work long hours. [correct]



We use hours to talk about the time during the day or week when something usually happens, especially the time when someone works or when something is open:

working hours, office hours, opening hours
Most nannies work long hours for low pay. [=they work many hours a day]

We use period or period of time to talk about a particular length of time:
Sales rose by 20% over a six month period / over a period of six months.
Sportsmen can earn a lot of money, but only for a relatively short period of time.

We use duration in formal writing to talk about how long something lasts:
Make sure that your visa is valid for the duration of your stay.

The timing of something is when it happens within the context of other events:
He said the timing of the announcement is not related to next week's board meeting.

Time is also used in a number of common expressions:
How do people spend their spare time / free time / leisure time?
We spent most of the time on the beach. [not most of the times]
We haven't seen each other for a long time. [not for long time]

See more common English grammar mistakes

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