discretionary time

USAGE SUMMARY

'discretionary time' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to free time that is not designated for a particular purpose. For example: "The teacher gave us an hour of discretionary time at the end of the lesson."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Unanticipated TOOs are charged to Director's Discretionary Time.

Harvard University

There's a subdued but relentless hurly-burly in academia that swallows up discretionary time.

The New York Times - Books

Genentech's scientists are given discretionary time to work on projects of their own interest.

The New York Times

He's not a sophisticate and doesn't spend his discretionary time with sophisticates.

The New York Times

For Director's Discretionary Time (DDT) observations it may be zero to three months.

Harvard University

In this paper, we address the issue of how supervisors allocate their discretionary time between these two responsibilities.

International Journal of Production Economics

Proposers for Director's Discretionary Time (DDT) should continue to use RPS until a DDT version of CPS is available.

Harvard University

To submit an RfO (Request for Observation) of this type, please see the instructions for Director's Discretionary Time.

Harvard University

I have always been discerning about where I spend my discretionary time and resources to maximize my impact.

Cornell University

We thank B. Wilkes and the CXC staff for approving and executing a director's discretionary time observation.

Nature

To implement sustainability initiatives, organizations often seek commitment from their members to volunteer discretionary time and effort toward reaching the initiative's goals.

Journal of Environmental Psychology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about research grants or academic pursuits, use "discretionary time" to emphasize the freedom researchers have to explore their own ideas.

Common error

Don't confuse "discretionary time" with simply having free time. "Discretionary time" implies the freedom to choose how to use that time, not just the absence of obligations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "discretionary time" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to the amount of time an individual has available to use according to their own judgment or preference. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

29%

Academia

27%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

12%

Wiki

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "discretionary time" is a common and grammatically sound phrase referring to freely available time for personal use. It's utilized across various fields, including academia, news, and science, highlighting its versatility. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for formal and informal communication. For alternative phrasing, consider "free time" or "leisure time". When employing the term, avoid confusing it with simply having free time, instead, recognize that "discretionary time" emphasizes the freedom to choose how to use that time. Ludwig's analysis indicates that the phrase is a valuable asset in discussing time management, personal projects, and work-life balance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

free time

A general term for time not committed to obligations.

leisure time

Emphasizes relaxation and enjoyment.

spare time

Highlights the availability of time.

personal time

Focuses on time dedicated to oneself.

down time

Suggests a period of reduced activity or rest.

unallocated time

Highlights time that has not been assigned to a specific task or activity.

flexible time

Indicates time that can be adjusted or used according to individual needs.

unscheduled hours

Focuses on the lack of a predetermined plan for the time.

non-work hours

Specifies time outside of professional obligations.

time off

A broader term referring to absence from work or other duties.

FAQs

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

You can use "discretionary time" to describe the time someone has available to use as they choose, such as, "The company allows employees "flexible hours", granting them more "discretionary time" during the week."

What is an alternative to saying "discretionary time"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "free time", "leisure time", or "spare time" to convey a similar meaning.

What does "discretionary time" mean in a business setting?

In a business setting, "discretionary time" often refers to the time employees have to dedicate to projects or tasks of their choosing, outside of their regular duties. It can also refer to the "time off" an employee can decide to use.

How does "discretionary time" relate to work-life balance?

"Discretionary time" is a crucial element of work-life balance, representing the time individuals can allocate to personal interests, family, and leisure activities outside of work commitments. Balancing work with "personal time" contributes to overall well-being.