Guide 103 / 200 5 swaps Formal register
Professional words for “time”
Five words for different shapes of "time."
i · When it mattersTwo lines, no filler
"Time" is fine — until a document needs precision. "Period" is bounded; "duration" is length; "window" is an opportunity with edges; "timeframe" is projected; "interval" is between events.
ii · The swaps5 ways
- 01Period neutral
bounded span
During the review period.
- 02Duration neutral
how long something lasts
The duration of the contract is 12 months.
- 03Window neutral
an opportunity with edges
A narrow window to ship before audit.
- 04Timeframe neutral
projected span for planning
The timeframe is tight but feasible.
- 05Interval formal
space between two events
An interval of three weeks between reviews.