devoting time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "devoting time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the act of dedicating a portion of your time to a specific task, activity, or person. Example: "She is devoting time to volunteer work at the local shelter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This means devoting time every day to social media.

The Guardian

Can I imagine devoting time to improving it?

Harvard Business Review

Devoting time to preparing a packed lunch five days in a row can be a stretch.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Paying the gas bill isn't nearly as rewarding as devoting time to something you love.

The Guardian - Money

I've faced some criticism for devoting time to my leadership role with the Graduate Engineering Association.

Nature

So he is once again devoting time and money to children at the bottom.

The New York Times

Her own fame secure, Ms. Mutter, 47, is devoting time to fostering a new generation of musicians.

The New York Times - Arts

The conference is also devoting time to rituals like the election of officers and the presentation of awards.

The New York Times

Now he is devoting time to his family and trying to work as a consultant on development issues and other political and social justice matters.

The New York Times

Several outside specialists have asked why the F.D.A. was devoting time to the drug, saying the evidence showed it was dangerous.

The New York Times

By devoting time and thought to researching ingredients, purchasing and preserving, the act of cooking — without sauté pans and pots — turns out to be fairly simple.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone of your writing. "Devoting time" can imply a sense of commitment or sacrifice, so ensure it aligns with your intended message.

Common error

Avoid phrasing like "Time is being devoted..." as it weakens the sentence. Instead, use an active voice: "We are devoting time to..." for a more direct and impactful statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "devoting time" functions primarily as a verbal phrase indicating the action of dedicating or allocating time to a specific purpose or activity. Ludwig's examples highlight its use in various contexts, from professional endeavors to personal pursuits. It signifies a conscious decision to invest time in something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "devoting time" is a versatile and commonly used phrase that signifies dedicating time and effort to a specific activity or purpose. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently appears in diverse contexts, ranging from news and media to academic and business settings. When using "devoting time", ensure clarity about what the time is being devoted to and consider the tone to match your message. Common alternatives include "dedicating time", "allocating time", and "spending time", each with subtle differences in meaning. Be mindful of overuse in the passive voice for a more direct and impactful writing style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dedicating time

Emphasizes a commitment or special purpose in allocating time.

making time

Suggests creating time in a busy schedule for something.

allocating time

Focuses on the distribution of time among various activities.

scheduling time

Incorporates time into a structured plan or agenda.

setting aside time

Implies reserving time specifically for a particular purpose.

allotting time

Similar to allocating, but may suggest a more formal or structured distribution.

assigning time

Suggests a formal allocation of time, often in a professional context.

investing time

Suggests that time is being used in a way that will yield future benefits.

earmarking time

Reserving time for a very specific and often important purpose.

spending time

A more general term for using time, without necessarily implying a specific goal.

FAQs

How can I use "devoting time" in a sentence?

You can use "devoting time" to describe dedicating effort to a task, such as, "She is "devoting time" to her studies." You can also say, "The company is "devoting time" and resources to research and development."

What are some alternatives to "devoting time"?

Alternatives to "devoting time" include "dedicating time", "allocating time", or "spending time". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "devoting time to" or "devoting time for"?

It's generally better to say "devoting time to" something. For example, "He is "devoting time" to learning a new language" is more common and grammatically sound than ""devoting time" for learning a new language".

How does "devoting time" differ from "making time"?

"Devoting time" implies a consistent and dedicated effort, while "making time" suggests creating or finding time in a busy schedule. You might "make time" for a one-off event, but "devote time" to a long-term project.