buy more time

USAGE SUMMARY

"buy more time" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to take actions or make arrangements in order to have more time to do something. Example: I need to buy more time to finish my project, so I am going to ask for an extension from my boss. The phrase can also be used in a figurative sense, such as buying more time to avoid a difficult decision or situation. Example: I am going to buy more time by pretending to be sick so I don't have to attend the meeting with my ex-girlfriend.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It wants to buy more time.

The Guardian

"You can buy more time, quality time, family time".

The New York Times - Arts

That's not just a ruse to buy more time.

The Guardian

Mr Varoufakis is trying to buy more time.

The Economist

"It's an incremental step, an action to buy more time.

The Guardian

SEMS insertion would also buy more time for a selected group of patients who may benefit from chemoradiation before surgery.

Techniques in Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

They will use whatever devices and excuses they can muster to buy more time.

The New York Times

As a result, "we're talking to NBC right now," he added, "to buy more time".

The New York Times

"For him, it's buy more time until he needs our votes again," Mr. Malthotra said.

The New York Times

He said that the group has raised $500,000 to buy more time.

The New York Times

You can buy a $5,000 bed but you can't buy more time to sleep.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid overusing "buy more time" in formal writing. While acceptable, more precise terms like "extend the deadline" or "postpone the decision" can add clarity and sophistication to your writing.

Common error

Don't assume "buy more time" always implies a positive outcome. It often suggests a temporary solution to a deeper problem, not necessarily a resolution. Recognize that it may only delay the inevitable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "buy more time" functions as an idiomatic expression. Ludwig AI validates this expression as correct and common in written English. It acts as a verb phrase where "buy" takes on a figurative meaning.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "buy more time" is a very common and correct idiomatic expression used to describe the act of delaying or postponing something to gain an advantage or opportunity. As validated by Ludwig, it appears frequently in news and media, and can be used in several other context as well. While "buy more time" is generally acceptable, remember that more precise terms such as "extend the deadline" may be more appropriate for formal content. Consider alternatives like "gain additional time" or "secure extra time" for a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gain additional time

Replaces "buy" with "gain", suggesting an acquisition of time rather than a purchase.

secure extra time

Substitutes "buy" with "secure", implying a proactive effort to ensure more time.

prolong the duration

Replaces the idiomatic "buy more time" with a more formal expression focused on extending how long something lasts.

extend the deadline

Focuses specifically on postponing a deadline, removing the element of 'buying'.

defer the schedule

Implies postponing or delaying the timetable.

postpone the event

Suggests to put off the event for another day, therefore acquiring more time.

delay the process

Replace time with a process, suggesting the action of delaying the progress.

stall for a while

Implies a short delay, or to temporize.

play for time

Suggests a strategic effort to delay something.

get a reprieve

Indicates a temporary suspension of a punishment or difficulty, offering more time.

FAQs

How can you "buy more time" in a project management context?

In project management, you can "buy more time" by requesting a deadline extension, reallocating resources, or streamlining tasks to focus on essential deliverables.

What are some strategies to "buy more time" during a negotiation?

During negotiations, you can "buy more time" by asking clarifying questions, requesting additional information, or proposing a recess to consider the terms.

Is "buy time" grammatically different from "buy more time"?

While both are grammatically correct, "buy time" generally implies a more immediate or short-term delay, while ""buy more time"" suggests a longer or more significant extension.

What's the difference between trying to "buy more time" and "procrastinating"?

Trying to "buy more time" often involves strategic actions to gain an advantage or address challenges, whereas "procrastinating" typically involves delaying tasks without a clear purpose or plan.