time

1

I’ll visit you in a year of time.
I’ll visit you in a year.
I’ll visit you in a year’s time.

In a year and in a year’s time have the same meaning: one year from now. Do not say in a year of time.

Learn more about the possessive form in time expressions.

2

I think she has been to Paris one or two times.
I think she has been to Paris once or twice.

One or two times is possible, but once or twice is more natural here.

3

It took me four years time to build the house.
It took me four years to build the house.

To say how long an activity took, use take + period of time + to-infinitive: ‘It took me two hours to finish.’ Do not add time after four years in this sentence.

4

We have been married for a lot of time.
We have been married for a long time.

Use for a long time to focus on how long a situation continues: ‘We have been married for a long time.’

A lot of time focuses on the amount of time spent. It can describe one continuous period or several periods: ‘I spend a lot of time waiting for the bus.’ ‘I spend a lot of time reading.’

5

Then John was born. In that time, they were a poor but happy family.
Then John was born. At the time, they were a poor but happy family.

Use at the time or at that time to mean ‘then’ when talking about a past situation.