finding the time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "finding the time" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used when you're describing a difficult situation due to having limited time. For example: "I've been struggling to find the time to finish all my projects this week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The challenge is finding the time.

The New York Times - Travel

But finding the time is not easy.

The New York Times

His only problem is finding the time to see anything.

The Guardian

Surely, I thought, the biggest hurdle is just finding the time to try.

The Guardian - Tech

"You ought to see him leaping around, finding the time to come and see everybody.

The New York Times

She's relaxed, at ease, enjoying the moment - and still finding the time to honour her rivals.

The Guardian - Film

Make the Time The biggest hurdle in home organization is finding the time.

The New Yorker

It's about finding the time to fit riding into your everyday life.

The Guardian - Travel

But finding the time and teachers to teach even one dead language properly is hard enough.

The Economist

For some, finding the time to get to and from the gym is a flat impossibility.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Then, the effort is focused on finding the time-sharing coefficients which give the fairest point.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "finding the time", ensure that the context clearly establishes what activity the time is being sought for. Specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "finding the time" repeatedly in close proximity without varying the sentence structure. This can make the writing sound monotonous. Instead, use synonyms or rephrase to add variety.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "finding the time" functions as a gerund phrase, often serving as the subject or part of the subject of a sentence. It describes the action of locating or creating sufficient time for a particular activity. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "finding the time" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to express the challenge of allocating time for various activities. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage spans across diverse contexts, with News & Media being the most frequent. The phrase functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as the subject of a sentence, and serves to communicate the difficulty in scheduling or creating availability. While versatile, it is best used with clear context to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "making time" or "allocating time" can offer subtle differences in meaning. By considering these nuances, writers can effectively use "finding the time" to convey their intended message with precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

making time

Focuses on the action of creating availability rather than the challenge of locating it.

allocating time

Emphasizes a more deliberate and planned distribution of time for specific activities.

scheduling time

Highlights the act of putting time into a structured plan or calendar.

prioritizing time

Focuses on ranking activities by importance to determine where time should be spent.

carving out time

Suggests effort is required to separate time from other commitments.

setting aside time

Implies reserving a specific duration for a particular purpose.

freeing up time

Indicates making time available by removing other obligations.

making room in one's schedule

A longer, more descriptive way of saying making time, implying adjustments to an existing schedule.

squeezing in time

Suggests fitting an activity into a very tight schedule with little available time.

liberating time

Indicates freeing time from constraints or obligations, often related to efficiency.

FAQs

How can I use "finding the time" in a sentence?

You can use "finding the time" to express the difficulty of allocating time for a specific activity. For example, "Finding the time to exercise can be challenging with a busy schedule."

What are some alternatives to "finding the time"?

Alternatives include "making time", "allocating time", or "scheduling time", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "finding the time" or should I use another phrasing?

"Finding the time" is a correct and commonly used phrase. Its appropriateness depends on the context, but it is generally acceptable in most situations.

What's the difference between "finding the time" and "having the time"?

"Finding the time" implies a challenge or effort in locating or creating availability, while "having the time" simply indicates that the time is already available.