Periods: meaning, definitions and examples

Primarily used in American English to refer to the punctuation mark at the end of a sentence.

• Make sure to put periods at the end of your sentences.
• Periods are important in writing to help separate thoughts.

Primarily used in British English to denote the punctuation mark at the end of a sentence.

• Don't forget to add a full stop after each sentence.
• British English often prefers 'full stop' over 'periods'.

Refers to specific lengths of time in history or personal life, such as academic terms or historical epochs.

• The medieval and Renaissance periods had distinct art and cultural characteristics.
• During different periods of my life, I’ve lived in several countries.

Refers to a long and significant period of history characterized by particular events, developments, or figures.

• The Victorian era was known for its strict social norms and rapid industrialization.
• We might be entering a new era of technological advancements.

Describes a sequence of events that repeat in the same order, often used in science, education, and economics.

• The water cycle is essential for sustaining life on Earth.
• Every year, we go through a cycle of planning, implementation, and evaluation.

Used to describe distinct intervals of time or phases in various contexts such as history, education, and menstrual cycles.

• The Middle Ages was one of the most intriguing periods in European history.
• She struggles with heavy periods each month.

Commonly used to describe a series of events that repeat regularly, often in scientific, environmental, or everyday contexts.

• The water cycle is essential for sustaining life on Earth.
• He realized he was stuck in a cycle of bad habits.

Often used in scientific and technical contexts to refer to the rate at which something occurs over a particular period of time.

• The frequency of the sound waves determines the pitch of the noise.
• She visits her hometown with surprising frequency.