0

While writing to a friend, I attempted to ask which web browser they used most. In the end, I asked which browser they used “more frequently”, but this was not the true object of my curiosity. By using frequently, I effectively asked which browser they turn on more times within a period of time.

I also considered using the term volume, as in, “use with the greatest volume”, but that would have also been incorrect. I would rather use that term solely in reference to cubic measurement.

Specifically, I would have preferred to indicate the sum of durations; perhaps:

Over a period of time, which browser is used for the greatest part of that period?

Is there such a term?

4
  • 6
    The usual metaphor theme is Time Is Money; this licenses the use of spend with objects representing temporal duration. So the answer is that one should ask which browser they spent the most time using. Mar 31, 2013 at 23:25
  • 1
    @John Lawler I'm biased toward answers that reinforce my own views. I'd +1 if I had enough rep. :|
    – user41601
    Mar 31, 2013 at 23:30
  • @Jack Stout: I think I see what you're getting at: With which browser is the user most active? Suppose a user likes to use Browser A for passively listening to music but uses Browser B to actively surf, check e-mail, etc. Suppose further that the user always loads/closes both browsers simultaneously. You want to ask a question that gives you Browser B, the one the user interacts with most, only?
    – user39720
    Apr 1, 2013 at 0:42
  • @dingo_dan That is correct. Browser B, would be the response I was looking for.
    – user41601
    Apr 1, 2013 at 13:32

1 Answer 1

2

(I'd add this as a comment, but don't have the rep, I guess).

Be sure to specify interaction. @John-Lawler's answer sounds about right to me, but "using" is not specific enough; in @dingo_dan's example, Browser A is being used as much, at least in the sense that it is on and in use for the same amount of time. So maybe "With which browser do you spend the most time interacting?" or "... spend the most time using interactively?".

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.