Correct Usage of Time Expressions in Sentence Structures

The English language often confounds us with its complex grammatical rules, especially when dealing with time expressions. A common confusion arises when trying to use the indefinite article 'a' or 'an' with plural forms, as seen in the sentence, 'It’s been a rough time two weeks.' To understand why this sentence can be grammatically acceptable and how to construct similar phrases correctly, let’s delve into the nuances of sentence structure and time expressions.

Understanding the Grammar

To construct a proper sentence, we must understand the roles of nouns, articles, and prepositions. In the sentence 'It’s been a rough time two weeks,' we can see that 'time' is the subject and 'two weeks' is a qualifier. Grammatically, 'time' is an uncountable noun, meaning it does not take a plural form. However, the phrase 'two weeks' is a singular time period. Therefore, the correct sentence structure should be: 'It’s been a rough time for two weeks.' This inclusion of 'for' correctly attaches the time period to the action.

Correct Sentence Formulations

Based on the guidelines provided, the following are correct ways to express the same idea:

Each of these structures ensures that the time period is correctly attached to the action without violating grammatical rules.

Why It’s Correct to Say 'It’s been a rough two weeks'

Some might argue that the sentence 'It’s been a rough two weeks' is incorrect. However, this usage is actually acceptable, and it is due to a peculiar rule in English grammar concerning time expressions and indefinite articles.

When referring to a specific time period as a whole, it is treated as singular, rather than plural. The phrase 'two weeks' acts as a singular unit, much like 'two miles' or 'five dollars.' For example:

In each of these cases, the adjective modifies the single time period, 'two weeks,' rather than the implied plural 'weeks.' This is a common structure in English, especially when discussing durations of time.

Conclusion

The sentence 'It’s been a rough time two weeks' can be grammatically acceptable, despite the initial confusion it might cause. The key is recognizing that 'two weeks' is a singular, uncountable unit of time. By understanding this rule, you can avoid common pitfalls and ensure your sentences are both clear and grammatically correct.

Remember, 'a rough time two weeks' is correct when referring to 'rough two weeks,' but for better clarity, it’s often preferable to say 'for' or 'has been' to maintain proper grammar and structure.