cushion of time

USAGE SUMMARY

"cushion of time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a period of time that allows a person to get something done without feeling rushed. For example: "I was thankful for the generous cushion of time I had to complete the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

We started with a four-hour cushion of time between leaving Scotland, landing in London and then going to Boston.

The New York Times

On the other hand, those who used to sprint to gates with minutes to spare say they have come to like their cushion of time.

The New York Times

Travel services are sure to be overpopulated and sporadic so a healthy cushion of time will be necessary to not run late on one of the most important days of the year.

Independent

If you were a minute late to a meeting with Madeleine Brennan, the principal of Dyker Heights Intermediate School 201 in Brooklyn, Ms. Brennan would say, "You didn't leave a cushion of time," said one teacher, Francine Moscato.

The New York Times

And if heavy New York City traffic was your excuse for being tardy, the response from Ms. Brennan was rarely a surprise: "You should have left a cushion of time".

The New York Times

Smart travelers build a cushion of time into their trips when flying on discounted tickets, flying in a day or a half a day before they absolutely must be there.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

But given the cushions of time, and assistance from their companies, many people now say that they have adopted the mantras of resilience: we must get back to work; we must move on.

The New York Times

Basically, buffering means leaving small cushions of time between scheduled events so that you have time to pee, time to eat, time to take a break, time to check in with the people you love, time to do anything but work.

Huffington Post

She was able to round up the votes plus a bit of a cushion ahead of time, so the Leadership avoided what many people expected to be intense arm-twisting on the floor leading up the vote.

Huffington Post

Questions remain as to what can be done to improve the margin of safety — the cushion of reaction time that might save a driver's life.

The New York Times - Sports

Even if they have supportive family and friends, a financial cushion and plenty of time in therapy — all big "ifs" — they never entirely leave it behind.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When planning projects or travel, proactively incorporate a "cushion of time" to mitigate potential delays or unexpected issues. This is particularly helpful when dealing with tight schedules or critical deadlines.

Common error

Avoid assuming that a "cushion of time" guarantees success. Unexpected events can still consume the extra time, so manage your time wisely and remain adaptable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cushion of time" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It describes a period of extra time allotted for a task or event, providing a buffer against potential delays or unexpected circumstances. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cushion of time" refers to an extra period included in a schedule to accommodate potential delays or unexpected events. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts, with less frequent usage in scientific or academic writing. The phrase serves to communicate preparedness and risk mitigation, suggesting a proactive approach to planning and time management. While the phrase is generally neutral in tone, more formal alternatives like "time buffer" or "contingency period" may be preferred in highly formal writing. To effectively use "cushion of time", incorporate it into your plans and schedules to reduce stress and increase the likelihood of achieving your goals.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

buffer of time

Focuses on the protective aspect of having extra time to absorb potential issues.

leeway

Implies a degree of freedom to deviate from a strict schedule or plan.

time buffer

A safety net regarding time.

spare time

Highlights that the time is available and unused.

extra time

Emphasizes that the amount of time is more than the minimum required.

time to spare

Similar to spare time, focuses on availability and lack of urgency.

ample time

Indicates more than enough time is available.

breathing room

Suggests the time allows for reduced stress and increased flexibility.

grace period

Refers to a specific period allowed for fulfilling an obligation after the deadline.

pad the schedule

Suggests adding extra time to the schedule.

FAQs

How can I use "cushion of time" in a sentence?

You can use "cushion of time" to describe having extra time for an activity, like: "We built in a generous "cushion of time" to account for potential traffic delays."

What's a good alternative to "cushion of time"?

Alternatives to "cushion of time" include "buffer of time", "leeway", or "extra time", depending on the context.

When is it important to have a "cushion of time"?

It's important to have a "cushion of time" when dealing with strict deadlines, critical appointments, or situations where unforeseen delays are likely.

Is "cushion of time" a formal or informal expression?

"Cushion of time" is generally considered a neutral expression suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal writing, consider alternatives like "time buffer" or "contingency period".