devotes time to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "devotes time to" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing how someone allocates their time to a specific activity or cause. Example: She devotes time to volunteering at the local shelter. Alternative expressions include "spends time on" and "allocates time to."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

But Maier's subtitle directs our attention to the people, and she devotes time to Americans who stepped onto history's stage only for this drama.

The New York Times - Books

It has a high reputation for a pioneering "learning to learn" programme that devotes time to teaching children how to become good learners.

The Guardian

Although she can quote Jane Austen by heart, she no longer devotes time to novels or friends, doesn't date, doesn't own a television, and hasn't taken a vacation in ten years.

The New Yorker

The book goes astray only when he devotes time to the personal lives of his fellow-scientists, whose obsession with albatrosses is far less interesting than the albatrosses themselves.

The New Yorker

"No problem," said Mr. Betil, a former bank executive who devotes time to a pioneering nonprofit education program he founded in Turkey and who works occasionally as a substitute shepherd.

The New York Times

Mr. Korda also devotes time to telling people how, in his words, to "work with thoughts that cause suffering, and change them into thoughts and actions that don't cause suffering".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

He also devoted time to charitable causes.

The New York Times

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

Still others devoted time to enlarging the nest.

The New Yorker

He devoted time to counseling at the Small Business Administration.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Follow "devotes time to" with a gerund (verb + -ing) to describe the activity, such as "devotes time to volunteering" or "devotes time to researching".

Common error

Avoid using "devotes time to" in contexts where the time allocation is minimal or insignificant. This phrase implies a substantial commitment, so using it for trivial activities can diminish the impact of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "devotes time to" functions as a verb phrase that describes the action of dedicating a portion of one's time to a particular activity or purpose. It indicates a conscious and deliberate allocation of time. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "devotes time to" is a versatile verb phrase used to express a significant commitment of time towards a particular activity or purpose. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically sound and frequently found in various contexts, especially in News & Media and Science. While alternatives like "spends time on" exist, "devotes time to" emphasizes a deliberate and often substantial allocation of time. When writing, consider the level of commitment you wish to convey and ensure the phrase aligns with the context for the most effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dedicates effort to

Emphasizes the energy and commitment involved in the action.

spends energy on

Focuses on where the subject is channeling his energy.

allocates resources for

Highlights the distribution of resources, including time, for a specific purpose.

invests moments in

Suggests a strategic allocation of time with the expectation of a return or benefit.

assigns hours to

Implies a formal or structured allocation of time to a particular task.

makes room for

Highlights finding or creating time in a schedule that is already very full.

sets aside time for

Implies a deliberate action of reserving time from other activities.

carves out time for

Suggests effort and determination in freeing up time from a busy schedule.

prioritizes time for

Stresses the importance given to a certain activity over others.

is committed to spending time on

Adds an element of obligation or strong intention to the time allocation.

FAQs

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

Use "devotes time to" to indicate a significant allocation of time towards a particular activity or purpose. For example, "She "devotes time to" volunteering at the local animal shelter".

What are some alternatives to "devotes time to"?

You can use alternatives such as "dedicates effort to", "spends energy on", or "allocates resources for" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "devotes time for" instead of "devotes time to"?

No, the correct preposition to use with "devotes time" is "to". Saying "devotes time for" is grammatically incorrect. Always use "devotes time to" followed by the activity or purpose.

What is the difference between "spends time on" and "devotes time to"?

"Spends time on" is a more general term, while "devotes time to" suggests a greater level of commitment and dedication. "Devotes time to" implies a more significant and purposeful allocation of time.