block out time

USAGE SUMMARY

"block out time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to allocate or dedicate a certain amount of time to a certain task or activity. For example: "I need to block out time later this week to finish my project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

But Justice Scalia would always block out time to give us a blow-by-blow.

The New Yorker

Then prioritise and block out time for personal or family commitments.

The Guardian

I block out time for myself in the diary a week, or sometimes even a month, ahead.

The Guardian

The key to time management is knowing what your highest priorities are and making sure that you block out time every week that is unscheduled.

The New York Times

"You need to block out time for each activity every day, because you need structure and a time management system in order to get anything done".

The New York Times

As adults, they spend much of the year traveling, but they sometimes attend each other's events and block out time at barbecues and on getaways to their father's beach house in Mexico.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Well, of course, she blocked out time for that, too.

The New York Times - Arts

If it's going to take more than two minutes, "I make an appointment with myself by blocking out time on my calendar to answer the e-mail".

The New York Times

Then she thought about how to break that SMART goal into subtasks and blocked out time for those subtasks on her daily calendar.

Science Magazine

I'm working during that blocked out time.

Huffington Post

When one kindergarten student didn't have anyone at home to read to, Miller blocked out time every day at 11 15 a.m. to read with this student.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When planning projects, "block out time" in your calendar for each stage to ensure timely completion. This helps visualize your commitments and prevent overbooking.

Common error

Avoid using "block out time" when you mean spending time unproductively. "Block out time" implies a planned allocation, not squandering time.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "block out time" functions as a phrasal verb used to describe the act of dedicating or reserving specific periods in one's schedule for particular activities. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is a correct and usable part of the English language.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Wiki

23%

Science

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "block out time" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrasal verb that signifies dedicating specific periods for tasks to optimize time management. Ludwig confirms its proper usage and applicability across different contexts, especially in News & Media, Wiki, and Science. When using this phrase, make sure it reflects a proactive scheduling approach rather than unproductive time expenditure. Alternatives like "schedule time" or "set aside time" offer similar meanings. By proactively incorporating this practice, as Ludwig examples showcase, you improve both personal and professional efficiency.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

schedule time

Focuses more directly on the act of putting something on a schedule.

set aside time

Emphasizes reserving time, often implying it's protected from other demands.

allocate time

Suggests a more formal or strategic distribution of time.

dedicate time

Implies committing time for a specific purpose.

reserve time

Highlights the act of holding time for a future event.

earmark time

Suggests the time is specifically designated for a particular task.

carve out time

Conveys the idea of making time despite a busy schedule.

make time

Indicates creating time in a busy schedule.

set time apart

Focuses on distinguishing time from other obligations.

arrange time

Emphasizes planning and organizing the time.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "block out time" in my daily schedule?

To effectively use "block out time", identify your priorities, estimate how much time each task requires, and then schedule those tasks into your calendar as dedicated blocks of time. This helps to prevent distractions and ensures that you allocate sufficient time for important activities.

What are some alternatives to "block out time"?

You can use alternatives like "schedule time", "set aside time", or "allocate time" depending on the context.

Is it better to "block out time" for work or personal activities?

It's beneficial to "block out time" for both work and personal activities. Prioritizing both helps maintain a healthy work-life balance and ensures that you dedicate enough time to all your important commitments.

What's the difference between "block out time" and "make time"?

"Block out time" implies a proactive scheduling of time, whereas "make time" suggests finding or creating time within an already busy schedule.