finding time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "finding time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the act of making time available for a specific activity or task. Example: "I have a busy schedule, but I'm trying to find time to meet with you this week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And he's finding time to teach, too.

University of California, Berkeley

Not sure how I'm finding time for this all.

The Guardian - Music

"But finding time to read them can be a problem".

The New Yorker

For academics, finding time to write can be difficult.

Princeton University

We understand that finding time for school isn't easy.

Harvard University

It's mostly finding time to fit everything in.

The Guardian

These included difficulties finding time to practice and mastering techniques.

Nature

What are you finding time to do instead?

The Washington Post

The only school problems she experiences these days are finding time to do her homework.

The Guardian - Film

They hit it off immediately, so the next step was finding time to spend together.

The New York Times - Style

I know it's tricky finding time, but if it's any good, we watch all night.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing time management, be specific about what activities or tasks you are trying to "find time" for to give a clearer picture of the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "finding time" in overly broad contexts without specifying the activity. This can make your statement vague and less impactful. Instead of saying "I'm trying to find time", specify "I'm trying to find time to exercise" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "finding time" primarily functions as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun. It describes the process of allocating or discovering time for a specific activity. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically correct and common.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Academia

27%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "finding time" is a common and grammatically sound way to express the challenge of making space for activities in a busy schedule. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's versatile across diverse contexts, ranging from news and media to academia. While "making time" and "scheduling time" offer similar meanings, "finding time" emphasizes the act of discovering or identifying available moments. Remember to be specific about the activities you're trying to incorporate and avoid overly broad statements to ensure clarity and impact in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

making time

Emphasizes the act of creating or designating time, rather than just discovering it.

scheduling time

Focuses on formally planning and allocating time within a schedule.

freeing up time

Highlights the process of making time available by removing other commitments.

carving out time

Suggests deliberately setting aside time, often from a busy schedule.

setting aside time

Implies reserving time for a specific purpose or activity.

allocating time

Focuses on distributing time among different tasks or activities.

squeezing in time

Suggests fitting an activity into a limited or tight schedule.

making room in schedule

Highlights the need to adjust a schedule to accommodate something new.

creating an opportunity

Implies actively generating a chance to dedicate time to something.

prioritizing activities

Indicates making choices about how to use available time based on importance.

FAQs

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

Use "finding time" to express the challenge of making space in a busy schedule for a specific activity. For example, "Despite my hectic work schedule, I'm /s/finding+time" to volunteer at the local shelter.

What are some alternatives to "finding time" that I can use?

You can use alternatives like "making time", "scheduling time", or "carving out time" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "find time" or "finding time"?

The choice depends on the sentence structure. "Find time" is an imperative verb phrase, while "/s/finding+time" is a gerund phrase. For example, "Find time for yourself" vs. "/s/Finding+time" for hobbies is essential for well-being".

In what situations is "/s/finding+time" more appropriate than "making time"?

"/s/Finding+time" is suitable when describing the act of discovering or identifying available moments, while "making time" suggests actively creating or allocating time. You are /s/finding+time within your day; you are making time in your schedule.