Free up time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Free up time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing ways to create more available time for tasks or activities by eliminating or reducing other commitments. Example: "By delegating some of my responsibilities, I hope to free up time for more important projects."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

We can free up time and resources battling cannabis and put it to far better use.

Independent

Ms. Kelly's promotion will free up time in the afternoon, potentially for Ms. Carlson.

The New York Times

She shut her first one, the Pilates venture, to free up time.

The New York Times

He said this would free up time for academics to produce more research.

The Guardian

The main reason that government does all this outsourcing is to free up time to do other things.

The Guardian

For this year's ceremony, on June 8, he hands the reins to Hugh Jackman, presumably to free up time to win a Tony for himself.

The New Yorker

"Taking away the motor vehicle tax will free up time to go after the bigger accounts," Ann Scacco, the tax collector in Bethel, said.

The New York Times

The government is going to have to supply free training to current teachers and schools will need to free up time to allow this to happen.

The Guardian

The Democratic leadership is wisely aiming for a procedural vote in the next day or two that would free up time to debate a badly needed measure to double the existing Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program to $5.1 billion.

The New York Times

Mr. Kasem said in a statement that he "loved every minute" of the countdowns but that the final countdown would "free up time I need to focus on myriad other projects".

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

If pharmacists were less involved in dispensing and preparation duties, this would "free-up" time for patient-focused care [ 45].

BMC Public Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to boost productivity, clearly state what activities or responsibilities will be reduced or eliminated to "free up time" for other tasks. For example, instead of saying "We need to free up time", specify "By automating data entry, we can "free up time" for more strategic analysis".

Common error

Avoid using "free up time" without specifying the intended use of that time. Saying "This will free up time" without context leaves the benefit unclear. Instead, clarify: "This new system will "free up time" to focus on customer relations."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "free up time" primarily functions as a verb phrase. It describes the action of making time available by reducing commitments or streamlining activities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's commonly used to express the concept of creating more time for specific purposes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

39%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "free up time" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase that signifies making time available by reducing existing obligations. As Ludwig AI explains, it's considered correct and can be readily used in written English. Common usage spans across news, scientific, and general contexts. To maximize clarity, specify the intended use of the freed-up time. Alternatives include "make time available" or "create more time". Remember that the best alternatives depend on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Make time available

Focuses on creating availability, slightly more direct.

Create more time

Emphasizes the act of generating more time, less idiomatic.

Liberate time

Uses a stronger verb, suggesting a release from constraints.

Gain additional time

Highlights the acquisition of more time, focuses on the benefit.

Find time

Suggests discovering time within a schedule, less proactive.

Recapture time

Implies regaining lost time, suitable when time was previously available.

Unlock time

Metaphorical; suggests time is hidden or inaccessible.

Squeeze in time

Suggests fitting something into an already busy schedule, implying difficulty.

Set aside time

Emphasizes deliberate allocation of time.

Redeem time

Suggests making better use of time that was previously wasted.

FAQs

How can I use "Free up time" in a sentence?

You can use "free up time" to describe making more time available by reducing or eliminating other tasks. For example, "Automating this process will "free up time" for more strategic initiatives."

What are some alternatives to "Free up time"?

Some alternatives to "free up time" include "make time available", "create more time", or "gain additional time", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "free up time" or "make time"?

"Free up time" specifically implies reallocating existing time by reducing other obligations, while "make time" simply means setting aside time for something, possibly by adjusting your schedule without necessarily reducing anything else. The better choice depends on the precise meaning you intend to convey.

How does "Free up time" differ from "save time"?

"Free up time" suggests making time available by eliminating tasks or responsibilities, whereas "save time" implies performing tasks more efficiently so they take less time. For example, "Using keyboard shortcuts can save time", whereas "Outsourcing customer support will "free up time" for product development".