give him time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "give him time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used as a complete sentence, or as part of a longer sentence. Example: "I know he made a mistake, but we should give him time to make things right." In this sentence, "give him time" means to allow him the opportunity to fix his mistake at a later point in time. Other examples of when the phrase "give him time" can be used include: - "He's going through a tough time right now, so let's give him time to process everything." - "I'm sure he'll understand eventually, but we need to give him time to think about it." - "It may take some time for him to adjust to the new job, so let's give him time to settle in."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But give him time.

The New York Times

Yes, but give him time.

Independent

"Give him time," Peter said.

The New Yorker

Give him time, in other words.

The New York Times - Sports

You need to give him time.

The New York Times - Sports

You give him time to get away!

The New York Times - Arts

We have to give him time".

Independent

Privately, I decided to give him time.

The New York Times

"You just have to give him time.

The New York Times - Sports

Give him time; he is Mario Lemieux".

The New York Times - Sports

We also have to give him time".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "give him time", ensure the context clearly indicates what the person needs time for, whether it's to improve, recover, or adjust to a new situation. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the communication.

Common error

Avoid setting unrealistic expectations by acknowledging that significant progress often requires time. Don't undermine the advice to "give him time" by pressuring him for immediate results.

Linguistic Context

"Give him time" functions as an imperative phrase. It is generally used to urge or advise someone to allow another person a period to develop, heal, or adjust before making judgments or expecting immediate results. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, providing numerous examples across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

30%

Sports

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "give him time" is a widely used and grammatically sound expression that advocates for patience and understanding. Ludwig AI's analysis reveals its prevalence across varied contexts, from news and sports to wikis, highlighting its versatile application. The phrase encourages delaying judgment and allowing individuals the opportunity to develop, recover, or adjust, emphasizing the importance of realistic expectations. While it's most common in neutral registers, it's applicable in many situations where patience and support are needed. By offering related phrases and writing guidance, this analysis aims to deepen your understanding of when and how to effectively employ "give him time" in your communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

let him have more time

Directly refers to providing additional time for a task or process.

be patient with him

Emphasizes the virtue of patience while waiting for someone to improve or succeed.

allow him space

Focuses on providing emotional or physical space rather than strictly time.

delay judgment

Suggests postponing evaluation, implying a need for more information or development.

grant him leeway

Focuses on providing flexibility and understanding in expectations.

afford him an opportunity

Highlights providing a chance to prove himself, differing slightly from simply waiting.

permit him a grace period

Implies a specific, limited time for adjustment or improvement before consequences.

hold off criticism

Advises refraining from criticizing until there is sufficient progress or understanding.

let him mature

Emphasizes growth and development over time, applicable in contexts where maturity is expected.

postpone expectations

Focuses on adjusting or delaying expectations to allow for development or change.

FAQs

How can I use "give him time" in a sentence?

You can use "give him time" to suggest patience and allowing someone an opportunity to improve or adjust. For example, "He's new to the team, so we should "give him time" to learn the ropes".

What can I say instead of "give him time"?

Alternatives to "give him time" include "allow him space", "be patient with him", or "let him have more time", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "give him time"?

"Give him time" is appropriate when someone needs an opportunity to adjust, improve, or recover. It is used to encourage patience and understanding in various situations.

What does it mean to "give him time"?

To "give him time" means to allow someone sufficient opportunity or space to improve, recover, or adjust to a new situation without undue pressure or expectation of immediate results.