earn time

USAGE SUMMARY

"earn time" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it in situations when you're trying to save or make up time, such as, "We need to earn time if we want to finish on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Completing homework without complaint might earn time on a Gameboy.

The New York Times

Crew members earn time and a half, Mr. Doherty said.

The New York Times

"We don't earn time because I think there is six or seven lets during a match," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

The Intel contest is the premier science competition for high school students, so all semifinalists earn time in the spotlight.

The New York Times - Science

The pair have grown warily fond of each other, and Hanratty helps Frank earn time off for good behavior as an authentic forgery expert for the F.B.I.

The New York Times

After putting in a 40-hour workweek, ticket agents, whose annual starting salary is $27,013, can earn time and a half in overtime pay, Mr. Huntley said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Working on Thanksgiving is a chance for millions of low-paid Americans to earn a little extra ahead of Christmas, and many of them are grateful for the opportunity to earn time-and-half without having to play nice with the family.

Independent

Under the Depression-era Fair Labor Standards Act, hourly workers earn time-and-a-half for hours worked beyond 40 in a week.

Huffington Post

Many leave their earned time off on the table each year.

BBC

Defensively responsible, he earns time on the penalty kill.

Wikipedia

He centred the team's third line and earned time playing wing on the powerplay.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "earn time" when you want to express that time is gained through effort, actions, or favorable circumstances. For example, "By streamlining our processes, we can "earn time" for more strategic tasks".

Common error

Instead of saying "Time was earned by…", use the active voice: "They "earn time" by completing tasks efficiently". This makes the sentence more direct and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "earn time" functions primarily as a verb phrase, where "earn" is the transitive verb and "time" is the direct object. It describes the act of gaining or saving time through specific actions or circumstances. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is generally correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Wiki

16%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "earn time" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to describe gaining or saving time through effort or specific actions. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. As evidenced by numerous examples from reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, it is a common phrase in news and media. While its register is generally neutral, it can be adapted to suit both informal and professional settings. Understanding its function and purpose allows for effective use in writing, emphasizing efficiency and the benefits of strategic actions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gain additional time

Focuses on acquiring extra time, similar to "earn time", but emphasizes the addition of time.

secure more time

Highlights the act of making time safe or certain, similar to gaining time through effort.

acquire extra time

Emphasizes the process of obtaining time, often through specific actions or opportunities.

make up time

Implies recovering lost time, which relates to the idea of compensating for delays and "earn time" in this context.

recoup lost time

Focuses on regaining time that was previously lost, related to "earn time" in the context of recovering from setbacks.

create more time

Implies actively designing or structuring activities to free up time, similar to the proactive aspect of "earn time".

free up time

Highlights the action of making time available, often through efficient management or delegation.

liberate time

Suggests releasing time from constraints or obligations, related to the concept of gaining freedom to use time.

win time

Implies gaining time as a result of a competition or struggle, where the effort yields more time to act.

carve out time

Emphasizes the effort required to dedicate time from a busy schedule, implying the need to actively prioritize.

FAQs

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

You can use "earn time" to describe how someone gains additional time through effort or specific actions. For example: "Completing tasks ahead of schedule allows us to "earn time" for other projects".

What's a good alternative to "earn time"?

Alternatives include "gain additional time", "secure more time", or "acquire extra time", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "earned time" instead of "earn time"?

While "earned time" can refer to accrued vacation or sick leave, "earn time" typically describes the act of gaining or saving time through specific efforts. The best choice depends on the specific meaning you want to convey.

What's the difference between "earn time" and "make up time"?

"Earn time" suggests proactively gaining time, while "make up time" implies recovering time that was previously lost. They are similar but used in different contexts.