build in extra time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "build in extra time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the need to allocate additional time for a task or project to account for potential delays or unforeseen circumstances. Example: "When planning the event, make sure to build in extra time for setup and unexpected issues that may arise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

When Raitt passes through New York, she tries to build in extra time.

The New Yorker

You should identify the application deadline/s and organize a schedule that works for you making sure to build in extra time for last minute problems or changes.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

4. Allow time to set up your phone or webcam Skype and video calls can take a few minutes to set up, so you need to build in extra time.

The Guardian

"Explain that for these tasks you build in extra time for proof-reading and attention to detail.Choose something which is not essential to the role which is still a flaw and describe how you manage it," adds Archer.

The Guardian

You need to build in extra time to optimize your content for more engagement.

Forbes

So, you really had to gear your education differently to those different groups and understand that you had to build in extra time for people who didn't have the background".

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

When traveling with elderly relatives or those with medical needs, build in enough extra time for frequent breaks and slow steps.

HuffPost

Punctual people build in extra transit time because they know that unexpected delays can occur.

The New York Times

If you are just starting out with your exercise regimen, build in extra recovery time to ensure that you don't injure yourself.[23].[23]

WikiHow

They build in extra units for advanced students or work with them on independent projects.

The New York Times

The body responsible for the USB standard said manufacturers could build in extra security.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When planning projects with dependencies, always "build in extra time" for tasks that are known to be high-risk or have a history of delays.

Common error

Avoid the trap of optimistic scheduling. Don't assume everything will go perfectly. Always "build in extra time", especially for complex or unfamiliar tasks, even if you feel confident in your initial estimate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "build in extra time" functions as a recommendation or instruction within planning or scheduling contexts. It advises incorporating additional time to accommodate potential delays or unexpected events. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and useful expression.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Academia

24%

Wiki

18%

Less common in

Science

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "build in extra time" is a commonly used and grammatically correct recommendation to allocate more time than initially estimated for a task or project. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid expression. Predominantly found in News & Media, Academia, and Wiki contexts, it serves as a practical suggestion for effective time management and risk mitigation. Alternatives include "allow additional time" or "allocate buffer time". Remember to proactively account for potential delays and avoid overconfidence in initial time estimates. Always "build in extra time", especially for unfamiliar tasks.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Allow additional time

Focuses on permitting more time, rather than the act of incorporating it into a plan.

Allocate buffer time

Specifically uses the term 'buffer time', emphasizing the creation of a safety margin.

Add a time buffer

Implies incorporating additional time as a precaution against delays.

Schedule extra time

Simply refers to adding more time in the plan.

Set aside extra time

Highlights the action of reserving time specifically for unforeseen circumstances.

Pad the schedule

Suggests adding extra time to a schedule to prevent delays; more informal.

Factor in contingency time

Emphasizes planning for possible events that may occur; more formal and business-oriented.

Leave leeway in the schedule

Highlights the flexibility and tolerance for deviation that extra time provides.

Incorporate a time cushion

Uses the imagery of a 'cushion' to represent the extra time, providing a sense of comfort and security.

Plan for unexpected delays

Shifts the focus to the potential disruptions and the importance of preparing for them.

FAQs

How can I use "build in extra time" in a sentence?

You can use "build in extra time" to suggest allocating more time than initially estimated for a task, project, or event. For example, "When planning your travel, always "build in extra time" to account for potential delays at the airport".

What does it mean to "build in extra time"?

To "build in extra time" means to incorporate a buffer or additional time into a schedule, plan, or process to accommodate unforeseen delays, errors, or unexpected events. It's a proactive approach to managing time and mitigating risks.

What are some alternatives to "build in extra time"?

Alternatives to "build in extra time" include "allow additional time", "allocate buffer time", or "pad the schedule". These phrases all convey the idea of adding more time to a plan or schedule for safety or flexibility.

Why is it important to "build in extra time" for projects?

It is important to "build in extra time" for projects because unexpected issues, delays, or complications can arise. This extra time acts as a buffer, allowing you to manage unforeseen problems without jeopardizing deadlines or compromising the quality of your work.