What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
period
Example
The period for submitting applications ends on Friday. [period: noun]
Example
She experienced a painful period last month. [period: noun]
Example
The Romantic period in literature lasted from the late 18th century to the mid-19th century. [period: noun]
duration
Example
The duration of the movie is two hours. [duration: noun]
Example
The duration of the flight was longer than expected. [duration: noun]
Example
The duration of the concert was three hours. [duration: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Duration is more commonly used than period in everyday language, as it has a broader range of applications and is more neutral in tone.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between period and duration?
Period can have a more formal or technical connotation, while duration is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
