gave us time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "gave us time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone allowing or providing a period for something to happen or be completed. Example: "The manager gave us time to finish the project before the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

Which was just as well, in a way, because it gave us time to get used to the strange, disorientating fact of our middle-aged orphanage.

The Guardian - Opinion

It gave us time to settle".

Independent

But this gave us time to report.

The New York Times

That gave us time to prepare before Bilel came online.

The Guardian

This gave us time to make the ketchup, bread and butter.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I won't say they paralyzed the country but they gave us time to reflect".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

"Please give us time.

The New York Times

But give us time.

The New Yorker

Give us time.

The New York Times

"At least give us time," she murmured.

The New Yorker

Just give us time, they said.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gave us time" to highlight the benefit of having sufficient time for a specific action, decision, or preparation. It emphasizes the positive impact of the time provided.

Common error

Ensure that it's clear who or what "gave" the time. Ambiguous subjects can weaken the sentence and confuse the reader. For example, instead of "Mistakes gave us time to reflect", consider "The consequences of our mistakes gave us time to reflect."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gave us time" functions as a verb phrase, where "gave" is the verb indicating the action of providing, "us" is the indirect object receiving the action, and "time" is the direct object, specifying what was provided. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Wiki

5%

Huffington Post

2%

Less common in

TechCrunch

1%

The New Yorker

1%

Science Magazine

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "gave us time" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate the provision of time, enabling specific actions or opportunities. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is acceptable for general use. While versatile, its register leans towards neutral, making it suitable for news, media and less formal contexts. When writing in formal or scientific settings, consider using alternatives like "afforded us the opportunity" to maintain a professional tone. Remember to clearly identify who or what provided the time to avoid ambiguity. By understanding its nuances and contexts, you can effectively utilize "gave us time" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

afforded us the opportunity

Focuses on providing a chance or possibility, emphasizing the opportunity aspect more than the time itself.

enabled us to have time

Focuses on the empowerment or capability provided to have time for something.

allowed us a period

Stresses the permission or authorization to use a span of time.

provided us with a window

Highlights a limited or specific time frame, suggesting a temporary opening for action.

granted us leeway

Implies flexibility and tolerance within a timeframe, suggesting less strict constraints.

permitted us the duration

Highlights formal consent and the length of time available.

created an opening for us

Emphasizes the active creation of a time-based opportunity, rather than a passive provision.

lent itself to us having time

Suggests the situation naturally resulted in the availability of time.

offered us a moment

Suggests a shorter, more discrete period, focusing on a brief chance.

bestowed upon us a timeframe

Implies a generous or formal allocation of time, often for a specific purpose.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "gave us time" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "afforded us the opportunity" or "provided us with a window". These options add a layer of professional distance while conveying the same meaning.

Is "gave us time" appropriate for academic writing?

While grammatically correct, "gave us time" may be perceived as informal for academic writing. Alternatives such as "allowed us a period" or "enabled us to have time" might be more suitable.

What's the difference between "gave us time" and "allowed us time"?

While both phrases are similar, "allowed us time" focuses more on permission or authorization, whereas "gave us time" simply indicates that time was provided, regardless of explicit permission. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize permission or simply the provision of time.

How to use "gave us time" in a sentence?

You can use "gave us time" to indicate that something provided an opportunity or duration to do something else. For example, "The delay "gave us time" to prepare a better strategy."