What is period? Pronunciation and usage in English

period means . Learn how to pronounce and use period through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of period

periodnoun

/ˈpɪərɪəd/
Definition & pronunciation of period

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "period" in English. It's a tricky one! Here's the breakdown:

The most common and widely accepted pronunciation is:

  • PEH-ree-od

Let's break it down further:

  • PEH: This is like the "pe" in "pet" or "pen." It's a softer, breathier sound than a typical 'p'.
  • ree: This rhymes with "see" or "tree."
  • od: This is like the "odd" sound.

Here's a helpful breakdown of the sounds:

  • IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet): /pɪˈrɪ.ɒd/

Things to avoid:

  • Don't say "per-ee-od." That’s a very common mistake and sounds slightly awkward.
  • Don't overemphasize the first syllable. It shouldn't be a strong, punchy 'pe.'

Resources for Hearing it:

  • Google Search: Search "how to pronounce period" on Google, and you'll often find audio pronunciations.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/period/ – This website lets you hear native speakers pronounce the word.
  • YouTube: Search "pronounce period" on YouTube for video tutorials.

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you some example sentences to help you practice?

Usage and examples with the word period in English

Let's break down how to use the word "period" in English. It has several different meanings and usages, so it's important to understand the context. Here's a breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. Referring to a Time Interval (Most Common)

  • Meaning: This is the most frequent use. "Period" refers to a length of time.
  • Examples:
    • "The period of the Renaissance lasted roughly from the 14th to the 17th century." (A historical period)
    • "I’ve been working on this project for a long period of time." (A duration of time)
    • "During the period of his illness, he couldn’t leave the house." (A specific timeframe)
    • "The period of economic growth was short-lived."
    • "She studied French for a few years." – “That was a good period for her to learn the language.”

2. Regarding Menstruation (Biological)

  • Meaning: This refers to the monthly bleeding that women experience during their reproductive years. It’s a very sensitive topic, so be mindful of your audience.
  • Examples:
    • "She started her period at the age of 12."
    • "I need to stock up on pads and tampons." (Referring to supplies for menstruation)
    • "She had a heavy period."
    • "During her period, she sometimes felt tired."

3. Ending a Conversation or Action (Formal)

  • Meaning: Used at the end of a formal speech, presentation, or written document to signify a conclusion.
  • Examples:
    • "Thank you for your attention. I’ll now bring my remarks to a period." (In a speech)
    • “Please find the complete report attached. The period covered is January to March.” (In a document)

4. A Small, Defined Segment (Less Common – Often Used in Technical Contexts)

  • Meaning: A brief, specific stage or section within a larger operation or process.
  • Examples:
    • "The machine went through a grinding period before it started working correctly." (A phase of operation)
    • “There was a brief period of instability in the stock market.” (A short fluctuation)

5. (Informal) A Pause or Brief Stop

  • Meaning: Sometimes used informally to describe a short break or interruption. This usage is less common and considered slightly dated.
  • Example: “Let’s take a period and grab a coffee.” (Meaning: Let's take a break.)

Key Considerations & Tips:

  • Context is crucial: As you can see, “period” has many meanings. The surrounding words and situation will almost always make the intended meaning clear.
  • Formal vs. Informal: "Period" is generally more formal, especially when used to end a speech or document. It’s perfectly acceptable in everyday conversation, but using it to end a casual sentence might sound a little stiff.
  • Sensitivity: When referring to menstruation, be respectful and use appropriate language.

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • In what context are you thinking about using the word "period"? (e.g., writing an essay, speaking in a presentation, having a casual conversation?)

Synonyms for the word period

Practice with vocabulary period

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The project completion is scheduled for the end of the current fiscal ________________.
  2. Our data analysis indicates a short ________________ of heightened market volatility last year.
  3. The typical ________________ for reviewing funding applications is usually three weeks.
  4. After the initial launch, there was a brief ________________ before the next major software update.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (There may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. The company entered a challenging ________________ of reduced profits following the economic downturn. a) era b) phase c) episode d) period
  2. There is a short ________________ between the two conference sessions for networking and refreshments. a) break b) interval c) pause d) period
  3. The Victorian ________________ is renowned for significant advancements in industrial technology and social reform. a) epoch b) season c) period d) age
  4. What is the expected ________________ of the trial run for the new system? a) length b) duration c) stretch d) extent
  5. It is crucial to provide feedback on these documents in a ________________ manner to meet the project deadline. a) prompt b) punctual c) timely d) instantaneous

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Our team experienced a phase of intense productivity during the final month of the project. Rewrite the sentence, using "period" or a related form:
  2. Many professionals faced unprecedented challenges while the pandemic was ongoing. Rewrite the sentence, using "period" or a related form:
  3. The training module is designed to last approximately two hours. Rewrite the sentence, without using "period" or any related forms:

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The project completion is scheduled for the end of the current fiscal period.
  2. Our data analysis indicates a short period of heightened market volatility last year.
  3. The typical duration for reviewing funding applications is usually three weeks.
  4. After the initial launch, there was a brief interval before the next major software update.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. The company entered a challenging a) era, b) phase, d) period of reduced profits following the economic downturn.
  2. There is a short a) break, b) interval, c) pause, d) period between the two conference sessions for networking and refreshments.
  3. The Victorian a) epoch, c) period, d) age is renowned for significant advancements in industrial technology and social reform.
  4. What is the expected a) length, b) duration, c) stretch of the trial run for the new system?
  5. It is crucial to provide feedback on these documents in a a) prompt, c) timely manner to meet the project deadline.

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Our team experienced a period of intense productivity during the final month of the project.
  2. Many professionals faced unprecedented challenges during the period of the pandemic.
  3. The duration of the training module is designed to be approximately two hours.

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