gained time

USAGE SUMMARY

"gained time" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used in various contexts to indicate gaining or acquiring additional time for a particular task or activity. Example 1: The team's efficient work gained them time to complete the project before the deadline. Example 2: She gained time by delegating some tasks to her team members. Example 3: We need to gain time before making a decision on this matter. Example 4: The delay in the flight departure gained us some extra time to grab a quick snack at the airport. Example 5: He gained time in the race by avoiding a collision with another runner.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

First, he had now gained time in all three branches: infantry in Florida, artillery in Mexico and cavalry in Texas.

The New York Times

The delay occasioned by this battle was of great importance to the security of our men; for having gained time, they retired to the higher grounds.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

If there is no major offensive this year, the Cambodians will have gained time in which to improve the organization of their govt. and their armed forces, but they have a long way to go.

The New Yorker

His skill in shifting reserves to blunt North Korean attacks on the perimeter held the line and gained time for the organization of the X Corps under Edward M. Almond and its landing at Inch'ŏn on September 15.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Froome had started the stage almost two minutes behind Wiggins, having lost more than a minute on the first stage with a puncture and a further 35 seconds in Monday's time trial, and the risk was obvious: if he gained time on his leader, so too might those rivals, potentially putting the entire race at risk.

The Guardian - Sport

The British rider was slower than Contador on the first part of the undulating 20-mile course from Embrun to Chorges in the French Alps, but gained time on the final section and finished 9 seconds ahead of the Spaniard to clinch his third stage win of the race.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

"Meanwhile, Iran is gaining time".

The New York Times

"It's a very good opportunity to gain time".

The Guardian - Sport

However, he can gain time but cannot avoid the unavoidable.

The Economist

It would gain time to restore its economic competitiveness.

The New York Times

I realized I was gaining time to do other things.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gained time" to highlight a benefit achieved through a specific action or situation. For example, "The new software helped the team streamline their workflow and they gained time to focus on more strategic tasks."

Common error

Avoid using "gained time" when simply referring to the passage of time. "Gained time" implies a specific benefit or advantage derived from having more time available, not just that time has elapsed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gained time" functions primarily as a verb phrase, where "gained" is the past tense of the verb "gain" and "time" is the noun. According to Ludwig AI, it indicates the act of acquiring or benefiting from additional time.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gained time" is a versatile verb phrase that signifies the acquisition of additional time, usually as a result of a specific action or event. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and commonly used. Its usage spans various contexts, from news and media to academic and scientific writing. While it maintains a generally neutral register, it's important to use the phrase accurately, ensuring that it reflects a genuine benefit derived from increased time availability, rather than simply referring to the passage of time. Alternatives such as "saved time" or "freed up time" may offer nuanced alternatives depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

saved time

This alternative focuses on the action of preventing time from being lost or wasted.

created time

This suggests actively making more time available, often through efficiency or delegation.

found time

Suggests discovering or unexpectedly having time available.

freed up time

Implies that time was previously occupied but has now become available.

bought time

This means delaying something to secure more time, often through strategic action.

secured additional time

Emphasizes the act of obtaining more time, often through effort or negotiation.

extended the timeline

This refers specifically to making a deadline or duration longer.

prolonged the duration

Focuses on increasing the length of an event or activity.

accelerated progress

Implies increased speed and efficiency to achieve goals sooner.

advanced the schedule

Focuses on moving a plan or timetable forward.

FAQs

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

Use "gained time" to indicate that someone or something has benefited from an increase in available time. For example, "By automating the process, we gained time to focus on other priorities."

What are some alternatives to "gained time"?

You can use alternatives like "saved time", "freed up time", or "bought time" depending on the specific context.

Is "gained time" a formal or informal expression?

"Gained time" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It's a common phrase used across various types of writing and speech.

What's the difference between "gained time" and "obtained time"?

"Gained time" often implies that the time was acquired as a result of an action or event, whereas "obtained time" simply suggests the act of receiving or getting more time. The nuance depends on the context.