devote time to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "devote time to" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to imply setting aside time for a particular activity. For example, "I try to devote at least an hour every morning to reading before work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He continued to devote time to the University of Rochester.

The New York Times

It allowed us to devote time to Caroline.

The New York Times

I just devote time to teaching and researching and writing.

The New Yorker

Academics who devote time to teaching are often precisely the ones who most inspire students.

The Guardian

Some don't want to devote time to the hard conversations that produce good decisions.

The New York Times

Without it, young athletes have little incentive to devote time to training, advocates say.

The New York Times - Sports

They also have office hours throughout the week so they may devote time to helping students.

The New York Times

Mr. Leedy plans to devote time to painting and travel writing.

The New York Times

Furthermore, the decision to devote time to family compromised their links to the theater world.

The New York Times

Senator Joseph Bruno, the majority leader, says he thinks visitors should devote time to the Capitol.

The New York Times - Travel

"Lawyers must also devote time to client development, administrative matters and professional activities".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "devote time to", ensure that the activity or purpose is clearly specified to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While "devote time to" is acceptable, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using alternatives like "dedicate time to", "allocate time for", or "invest time in" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "devote time to" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of allocating or dedicating time to a specific activity or purpose. Ludwig examples show it used in various contexts, reinforcing its role in expressing commitment of time.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Wiki

23%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "devote time to" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to express the allocation of time for a specific purpose. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is widely applicable across various contexts, including news, science, and general communication. While versatile, it's beneficial to consider synonyms like "dedicate time to" or "allocate time for" to enhance the clarity and impact of your writing. Ensuring the purpose is well-defined when using "devote time to" will further improve the effectiveness of your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dedicate time to

Implies a more focused and committed allocation of time.

allocate time for

Suggests a formal or planned distribution of time.

set aside time for

Emphasizes the act of reserving time from other commitments.

make time for

Highlights the effort required to find or create time in a busy schedule.

invest time in

Focuses on the potential return or benefit from spending time on something.

give time to

A simpler and more general way of expressing the act of spending time.

spend time on

A direct and common way to describe using time for a specific activity.

allot time to

Suggests a formal or official assignment of time.

earmark time for

Emphasizes setting aside time specifically for a particular purpose.

reserve time for

Implies a deliberate act of keeping time available for something.

FAQs

How can I use "devote time to" in a sentence?

You can use "devote time to" to indicate that you are setting aside time for a particular activity or purpose. For example, "I try to "devote time to" reading every day".

What can I say instead of "devote time to"?

You can use alternatives like "dedicate time to", "allocate time for", or "make time for" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "devote time to" or "spend time on"?

Both "devote time to" and "spend time on" are correct, but "devote time to" implies a more dedicated and intentional allocation of time, whereas "spend time on" is more general.

What is the difference between "devote time to" and "give time to"?

"Devote time to" suggests a higher level of commitment and focus compared to "give time to", which is a simpler and more general expression of spending time.