find the time to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "find the time to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the need to allocate time for a specific task or activity. Example: "I need to find the time to finish my report before the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I couldn't find the time to work.

The New Yorker

find the time to fit it in.

University of California, Berkeley

Otherwise, you probably won't find the time to do it.

The New York Times

How do you find the time to write?

The New York Times

I try to find the time to watch my plasma".

The New York Times - Magazine

How does she find the time to do all this?

The New York Times

How did you find the time to complete a book?

The Guardian

When do they find the time to do it?

The Guardian

But I had to find the time to write.

The Guardian - Money

Find the time to take your family off the grid.

The Washington Post

So how can teachers find the time to start blogging?

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Prioritize tasks to effectively "find the time to" complete what's most important. For example, use time-blocking techniques.

Common error

Avoid overcommitting your schedule, as this makes it difficult to "find the time to" complete essential tasks. Accurately estimate how long tasks take to avoid scheduling conflicts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "find the time to" functions as an infinitive phrase that complements a verb, expressing the act of locating or making available the necessary time for a particular action. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

15%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "find the time to" is a versatile and frequently used expression that denotes the action of making or locating time for something. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and prevalent across various contexts, including news, academic writing, and general communication. While alternatives like "make time to" or "set aside time to" exist, this phrase effectively conveys the challenge and intention of prioritizing tasks in a busy schedule. Remember to accurately estimate task durations to avoid overcommitting and making it harder to "find the time to" complete essential activities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make time to

Focuses on actively creating time, rather than just locating it.

set aside time to

Emphasizes the act of dedicating specific time for something.

allocate time to

A more formal way of saying "dedicate time", often used in professional settings.

schedule time for

Highlights the planning aspect of making time for something.

carve out time for

Suggests making time by taking it from other activities.

free up time to

Indicates time is made available by removing other demands.

manage to find time for

Emphasizes the effort required to locate the needed time.

get around to

Implies doing something eventually when time permits.

squeeze in time to

Suggests fitting something into a busy schedule.

discover the time to

Shifts focus to unexpectedly finding the required time.

FAQs

How can I better "find the time to" exercise?

Try scheduling specific workout times in your calendar, just like any other important appointment. Even short bursts of activity can help you "make time to" exercise.

What are some strategies to "find the time to" read more books?

Consider setting aside a dedicated reading time each day, such as before bed or during your commute. Audiobooks can also be a great way to "squeeze in time to" read while doing other tasks.

Is it better to "find the time to" do something, or "make time to" do it?

While similar, "find the time to" implies discovering or locating existing time, whereas "make time to" suggests actively creating or allocating time from other activities. The best choice depends on whether you're adjusting an existing schedule or creating a new one.

What can I do if I can't "find the time to" learn a new skill?

Break the skill down into smaller, manageable steps and schedule short practice sessions. Even 15-30 minutes a day can help you gradually "set aside time to" learn and improve.