buy some time

USAGE SUMMARY

"buy some time" is a valid phrase in written English.
It is typically used to mean that you are trying to extend a deadline or stall for an amount of time in order to gain an advantage. For example: "I need to buy some time so that I can come up with a better plan of action."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

That appeared to buy some time.

The Economist

That should buy some time.

The Guardian

That would buy some time, anyway.

The New Yorker

For Mr Cowen, a referendum success may buy some time.

The Economist

But the infusion of new blood may buy some time.

The New York Times

"The only option we had was to buy some time, keep them alive".

Independent

"We are also trying to buy some time," Senator Bruno said.

The New York Times

India was asking for short-term actions, and this could buy some time for the GOP.

The Guardian

That pledge sufficed to buy some time -- but only about three months.

The New York Times

We can slow things down, we can buy some time, but we can't stop the process.

The New York Times - Health

Left unmentioned by either side was the possibility that Amazon might be trying to buy some time.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "buy some time" when you need to temporarily delay an action or decision to gain an advantage, gather more information, or prepare better. It implies a strategic delay rather than simple procrastination.

Common error

Don't use "buy some time" when you are simply avoiding a task or decision. The phrase suggests a deliberate strategy to use the delay productively, not just putting things off.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "buy some time" functions as an idiomatic verb phrase. It's used to describe the action of creating a temporary delay, often strategically, to gain an advantage or opportunity. As Ludwig examples show, this phrase is used in many contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "buy some time" is a common and grammatically correct idiomatic phrase used to describe the act of delaying something strategically. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous real-world examples of its usage. While it's versatile, it's essential to use it appropriately, ensuring it reflects a purposeful delay rather than mere avoidance. Consider alternatives like "stall for time" or "gain a reprieve" to fine-tune the nuance of your message. This phrase is most frequently found in news and media sources but is also appropriate in science and business contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stall for time

Replaces "buy" with "stall", emphasizing the act of delaying, often through indirect means.

play for time

Similar to "stall for time", it suggests maneuvering to create a delay.

delay the inevitable

Highlights the act of postponing something that is bound to happen, adding a sense of finality.

gain a reprieve

Suggests obtaining a temporary break from a difficult situation.

hold off

A simpler, more informal way of saying to delay or postpone something.

defer action

Emphasizes the postponement of a specific action or decision.

postpone the deadline

Focuses specifically on extending a due date or target date.

gain a breathing space

Focuses on creating a pause or moment of relief in a pressured situation.

temporize

A more formal term for delaying making a decision or taking action.

procrastinate

Highlights delaying something, often due to reluctance or avoidance.

FAQs

How can I use "buy some time" in a sentence?

You can use "buy some time" when you need to postpone something to gain an advantage or prepare better. For example, "I need to buy some time to finish the project."

What does "buy some time" mean?

The phrase "buy some time" means to delay something in order to have more time to prepare, gather information, or achieve a specific goal. It implies a strategic delay, not mere avoidance.

What are some alternatives to "buy some time"?

Alternatives include "stall for time", "gain a reprieve", or "delay the inevitable", depending on the context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "buying some time" instead of "buy some time"?

Yes, "buying some time" is the gerund form and can be used when the action of delaying is the subject of the sentence. For example, "Buying some time allowed us to reassess our strategy."