buying some time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "buying some time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to delaying a decision or action to gain additional time for consideration or preparation. Example: "He was buying some time while he thought of a suitable response to the difficult question."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

If nothing else, Mr. Lozano is buying some time.

The New York Times

But Mr Agnelli was unrepentant, believing he had saved Italian industry, perhaps even Italy.Despite buying some time, he had not, however, saved Fiat.

The Economist

The continuing resolution passed by Republicans in the House on Thursday night, and before the Senate on Friday, would authorize enough funding to keep the government running for another month — in theory, at least, buying some time for a longer-term deal on the budget.

The New Yorker

But members of the Obama administration, in interviews over the weekend, said that they had now all but lost hope that Iran would follow through with an agreement reached in Geneva on Oct. 1 to send its fuel out of the country temporarily — buying some time for negotiations over its nuclear program.

The New York Times

Temporary storage is a way of buying some time.

Nuclear Safety

While Qualcomm probably doesn't expect a full ban on Apple devices, Qualcomm is buying some time and leveraging its arguments using multiple angles.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

"It buys some time.

The New York Times

"Google bought some time," he said.

The New York Times

With them, she has bought some time.

The Economist

That appeared to buy some time.

The Economist

That should buy some time.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "buying some time" when you want to convey a temporary solution or delay that allows for further action or consideration. For instance, in negotiations, a party might propose a temporary agreement to "buy some time" for further discussions.

Common error

Avoid using "buying some time" as a long-term solution. The phrase implies a temporary reprieve, not a permanent fix. Overstating its impact can mislead your audience.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "buying some time" is as an idiomatic phrase functioning as a verbal phrase, often serving as the predicate of a sentence or clause. It describes the act of creating a temporary delay.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "buying some time" is a common idiom used to describe a situation where someone is creating a delay or temporary reprieve, as confirmed by Ludwig. Grammatically correct and versatile, it fits well in both formal and informal contexts, although it's predominantly found in News & Media. When using this phrase, remember it signifies a temporary solution, not a permanent fix. Alternatives such as "stalling for time" or "gaining time" can be used depending on the context. Ludwig's analysis shows that "buying some time" is most useful when conveying strategic postponement for further action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gaining time

Focuses on the act of acquiring more time, often implying a strategic advantage.

stalling for time

Emphasizes delaying tactics, often with a negative connotation of deception or avoidance.

holding off

Suggests refraining from taking action for the moment, often due to uncertainty or waiting for a better opportunity.

forestalling events

Implies preventing or delaying something from happening, often with a protective intention.

deferring the decision

Specifically refers to postponing a decision, suggesting that it will be made later.

postponing action

A general term for delaying any kind of action, without specifying the reason.

extending the period

Refers to expanding a defined time frame, often used in formal contexts.

prolonging the process

Stresses the extension of a process or activity over a longer duration.

putting off the deadline

Highlights the act of pushing the deadline to a later date.

delaying the inevitable

Highlights the act of postponing something unavoidable, usually with negative implications.

FAQs

What does "buying some time" mean?

The phrase "buying some time" means creating a temporary delay or respite to allow for further action, consideration, or resolution of a problem. It implies that the delay is strategic and serves a specific purpose.

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

You can use "buying some time" to describe actions taken to postpone a situation. For example: "The government's measures are only "buying some time" before more drastic changes are needed."

What are some alternatives to "buying some time"?

Alternatives to "buying some time" include "stalling for time", "gaining time", or "delaying the inevitable", depending on the context.

Is "buying some time" a formal or informal expression?

"Buying some time" is generally considered a neutral expression suitable for both informal and formal contexts. However, consider your audience and the specific situation to ensure it aligns with the tone.