buys some time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "buys some time" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation where someone delays or postpones an event or decision to gain additional time for preparation or consideration. Example: "The manager's decision to extend the deadline buys some time for the team to complete the project without rushing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

"It buys some time.

The New York Times

One reason may be that it buys some time.

The New York Times

But he also wrote that "it is only a short-term measure that buys some time".

The Economist

The fact of a deal buys some time for the elusive "trust" to reappear.

The Guardian - Business

But the solution patched together last week — more European bailout money for more Greek austerity — only buys some time without offering any realistic hope of recovery.

The New York Times

It's hardly a sustainable business model; but it buys some time, and gives customers a feeling of helping a favorite cause and even preserving a civic treasure.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

"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

"I had just bought some time.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "buys some time" when you want to emphasize that an action provides a temporary advantage, allowing for more strategic planning or problem-solving.

Common error

Don't assume that "buys some time" implies a permanent solution. It strictly suggests a temporary delay, not a final resolution to the problem.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "buys some time" functions as a predicate in a sentence, indicating that a particular action or decision results in a temporary delay or postponement. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

12%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "buys some time" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that indicates a temporary delay or postponement aimed at gaining a strategic advantage. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity and usability. The expression frequently appears in news and business contexts, reflecting its use in describing strategic decisions. While it's versatile, writers should remember that the expression implies a short-term solution, not a permanent one. Alternatives such as "gains a respite" or "secures a delay" can be used for subtle differences in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

secures a delay

Focuses on the act of postponing something; more formal than "buys some time".

provides a buffer

Emphasizes the creation of a cushion or protection against negative consequences.

achieves a postponement

Similar to 'secures a delay' but emphasizes the formal act of delaying an event or decision.

gains a respite

Implies a brief period of rest or relief from something difficult or unpleasant; more focused on relief than delay.

allows a window

Highlights the opportunity or possibility that the extra time provides.

procures a breather

Similar to "gains a respite", suggesting a temporary pause for rest or recovery.

creates an interval

Focuses on establishing a break or space between events; less common than "buys some time".

affords an opportunity

Stresses the chance or possibility gained through the delay, rather than the delay itself.

grants a grace period

Specifically refers to an extended period before a penalty or action takes effect.

engineers a standstill

Highlights the act of deliberately stopping progress to allow for further action

FAQs

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

You can use "buys some time" to indicate that a specific action creates a temporary delay or advantage, allowing for further planning or problem-solving. For example: "The manager's decision to extend the deadline "buys some time" for the team to complete the project."

What's the difference between "buys some time" and "solves the problem"?

"Buys some time" implies a temporary solution or delay, providing an opportunity for further action. "Solves the problem" suggests a permanent resolution, addressing the root cause and eliminating the issue.

What can I say instead of "buys some time"?

You can use alternatives like "gains a respite", "secures a delay", or "provides a buffer" depending on the context.

Is "buying some time" grammatically correct, or should I always use "buys some time"?

Both "buying some time" and "buys some time" are grammatically correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Buys some time" is used in the third-person singular present tense. "Buying some time" is used as a gerund or present participle, often in continuous tenses or as a noun.