find time to

USAGE SUMMARY

"find time to" is an idiomatic expression that is used frequently in written English.
This phrase is used when referring to taking the time to do something or to make time for something. For example, "I need to find time to study for my exams this week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

However do they find time to teach?

The Guardian

"Wish I could find time to exercise".

The New Yorker

When could everyone find time to sleep?

The New York Times

"We will find time to talk".

The New York Times

When did he find time to write?

The New York Times - Books

If you've never read it, you should find time to.

The New Yorker

When did you find time to work on this?

The New York Times

"How can I find time to do research?

The Economist

In between I find time to write letters.

The New York Times

How do they find time to do it all?

The New York Times

When did Moses find time to jot down his thoughts?

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When planning your week, schedule specific blocks of time for important tasks. This proactive approach makes it easier to "find time to" focus on what matters most.

Common error

Avoid overbooking your schedule. Accurately estimate how long tasks will take, and don't try to squeeze too much into one day. Failing to do so will make it harder to "find time to" focus.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "find time to" functions as an infinitive phrase, typically used as part of a verb phrase. It indicates the action of making or discovering available time to perform a specific task. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is idiomatic and widely used, underscoring its role in expressing temporal allocation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Wiki

23%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "find time to" is a common and versatile phrase used to express the act of allocating or discovering available time for a specific activity. Ludwig AI identifies it as idiomatic and grammatically correct, appearing frequently across various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. While alternatives like ""make time for"" and ""set aside time for"" exist, "find time to" maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. To effectively use the phrase, prioritize tasks, schedule dedicated time blocks, and be realistic about time commitments to avoid overbooking. This ensures you can "find time to" focus on what truly matters.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make time for

Focuses on allocating time from a busy schedule for something.

set aside time for

Emphasizes reserving a specific period for a particular activity.

allocate time to

Highlights the act of distributing time among different tasks or activities.

schedule time for

Focuses on planning and integrating an activity into a timetable.

carve out time for

Suggests creating time by removing it from other commitments.

dedicate time to

Emphasizes committing time to a specific purpose or activity.

free up time for

Implies making time available by completing other tasks.

manage to find time

Highlights the ability to discover or create time amidst constraints.

prioritize time for

Focuses on ranking activities to ensure the important ones get time.

take the time to

Highlights the act of not rushing and making sure you allocate time.

FAQs

How can I use "find time to" in a sentence?

The phrase "find time to" is used to express the act of making or discovering available time to do something. For example, "I need to "find time to exercise" this week" or "She always "finds time to help" others despite her busy schedule".

What are some alternatives to "find time to"?

Some alternatives include "make time for", "set aside time for", "allocate time to", and "schedule time for". The choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to "find time to" or "make time to"?

Both "find time to" and "make time to" are correct and commonly used. "Find time to" suggests discovering or unexpectedly having time available, while "make time to" implies actively creating or allocating time from a busy schedule. The better choice depends on whether the time is discovered or deliberately created.

How do I "find time to" do the things that are important to me?

Prioritize tasks, schedule blocks of time for important activities, eliminate time-wasting activities, and be realistic about how much you can accomplish in a day. Effective time management is essential to "finding time to" focus on what matters most.