earmark time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "earmark time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to designate or set aside a specific amount of time for a particular purpose or activity. Example: "I need to earmark time this weekend to work on my presentation for Monday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

I just earmark some time and either sit down at the Steinway and carve something out acoustically, or I'll sit in my home studio and start playing with grooves and ideas.

Huffington Post

Free service is a good way to cultivate loyal customer: Earmark some time in your routine for CSR.

WikiHow

Earmark specific time for strategy formulation and do not allow any physical or mental activity to interfere in expediting reaching agreement and acting on the strategy going forward.

WikiHow

The senator firmly vowed not to pursue earmarks — next time.

The New York Times

Eliaquim Mangala and Fernando were earmarked some time ago and they were able to avoid any late panics or trolley dashes.

BBC

McLaughlin is highly-rated by the Irish Football Association and was earmarked some time ago as a candidate for Michael O'Neill's first team.

BBC

He must have the discipline to "get in the gym and work out when you don't feel like working out". And he earmarks vacation time for meets.

Los Angeles Times

The two Democrats, who also backed the earmark restriction, took time for a private conversation on the floor as they and their colleagues milled about for hours while dozens of votes were taken.

The New York Times

While the responsibilities of a full-time position are always paramount, scientists, for example, might graft an innovative academic or research component onto existing duties, or earmark ample free time to explore another facet of their field.

Science Magazine

How could Congress justify spending $24 billion on "earmarks" at a time of national emergency?

The Economist

Critics of big spending say he has requested more than $1 billion in earmarks during his time at the trough.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "earmark time" when resources are finite, so time can be allocated as best as possible.

Common error

Avoid over-scheduling or rigidly "earmarking time" without allowing for flexibility. Unforeseen events or delays can disrupt tightly packed schedules, leading to stress and decreased efficiency. Build buffers into your plan.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "earmark time" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of designating or setting aside a specific period for a particular purpose. As Ludwig AI notes, it is correctly used in English to denote allocating time.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "earmark time" is a grammatically sound and useful expression for designating or allocating time for specific activities. While Ludwig confirms its correctness, the phrase appears relatively infrequently in diverse sources, spanning from news media to scientific publications. Alternatives such as "allocate time" and "set aside time" offer similar meanings, with minor differences in connotation. When using this phrase, it is wise to proactively schedule crucial tasks, prevent over-scheduling, and allow for flexibility to handle unforeseen events effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

allocate time

This alternative directly substitutes "earmark" with "allocate", focusing on the act of assigning time.

set aside time

This phrase replaces "earmark" with "set aside", emphasizing the act of reserving time.

dedicate time

This implies a more committed allocation of time to a specific task.

reserve time

Similar to 'set aside', this highlights the action of keeping time available for a particular use.

schedule time

Focuses on adding the time to a calendar or plan.

designate time

Emphasizes the formal assignment of time for something.

block out time

Highlights the action of preventing other activities from occupying that time.

make time

This phrase emphasizes creating time in a busy schedule.

allot time

A formal way to distribute or assign time.

ring-fence time

This alternative, meaning to protect something, adds a layer of security around the allocated time.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "earmark time" in project management?

To effectively use "earmark time" in project management, allocate specific blocks of time for different phases, such as planning, execution, and review. This ensures each phase receives adequate attention and helps maintain project momentum.

What are some strategies for consistently "earmarking time" for professional development?

To consistently "earmark time" for professional development, schedule it as recurring appointments in your calendar, treat these appointments as non-negotiable commitments, and align them with your career goals.

How does "earmark time" differ from "allocate time"?

"Earmark time" and "allocate time" are often used interchangeably, but "earmark" can imply a more specific or protected allocation, while "allocate" is a more general term for distributing time.

What should I do if I struggle to "earmark time" due to frequent interruptions?

If you struggle to "earmark time" due to interruptions, try using time-blocking techniques, setting clear boundaries with colleagues, and designating a quiet workspace where you can focus without distractions.