What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
duration
Example
The duration of the movie was two hours. [duration: noun]
Example
I can't stand the duration of this meeting. [duration: noun]
Example
The duration of the flight was six hours. [duration: noun]
period
Example
The exam period is from Monday to Friday. [period: noun]
Example
The Renaissance period was a time of great artistic and cultural growth. [period: noun]
Example
She missed her period this month. [period: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Duration is more commonly used in technical or scientific contexts, while period is more commonly used in everyday language. Both words are versatile and can be used in various contexts, but duration may be less familiar to ESL learners.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between duration and period?
Both duration and period are neutral in formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
