give it some time

USAGE SUMMARY

"give it some time" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used as a way to advise someone to take their time and be patient when trying to accomplish something or waiting for something to happen. For example, "I know you're disappointed that you weren't offered the job you wanted, but give it some time - something better will come along soon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Please give it some time.

The New Yorker

Just give it some time.

The Washington Post

Give it some time to marinate.

The Washington Post

"Give it some time," he counsels.

The New York Times

That said, give it some time.

The Guardian - Money

Yes, but give it some time.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"Give it some time," he responded with a trademark terseness.

The Guardian - Sport

"You've got to give it some time to get back.

The New York Times

Serve this immediately, or give it some time in the fridge to let the flavors meld.

The New York Times - Food

"We're going to give it some time to make sure that the recovery is well established".

The New York Times

"People say 'Come back — just give it some time,' " he said.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "give it some time" when referring to the maturation of flavors in cooking or when allowing a new idea to fully develop.

Common error

Avoid rushing decisions or actions expecting instant results. Failing to "give it some time" can lead to suboptimal outcomes and missed opportunities for growth or improvement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "give it some time" functions as an idiomatic expression used to offer advice or encouragement. It typically serves as a way to suggest patience and to allow a situation, person, or process to develop or resolve naturally. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Reference

10%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "give it some time" is a common and grammatically correct idiomatic expression used to advise patience and suggest allowing things to develop naturally. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage and provides diverse examples. It is versatile, appearing in neutral to informal contexts like News & Media and Wiki sources. When using this phrase, remember its focus on encouraging patience and avoiding premature action. It's a helpful tool to suggest trust in the process and allow situations to unfold without undue interference.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

allow some time to pass

Emphasizes the passage of time as a necessary element.

be patient

Focuses on the virtue of patience during a waiting period.

let it sit for a while

Suggests allowing something to remain undisturbed for a period.

hold off for a bit

Implies delaying action or decision for a short duration.

wait and see

Encourages observation without immediate intervention.

exercise patience

Highlights the active practice of being patient.

delay action

Focuses on postponing taking any steps or measures.

refrain from acting immediately

Suggests withholding from immediate action.

postpone judgment

Advises to delay forming an opinion or decision.

let things unfold

Recommends allowing events to naturally progress without interference.

FAQs

How can I use "give it some time" in a sentence?

You can use "give it some time" to advise patience, as in, "I know you're frustrated, but "give it some time", and things will improve."

What's a more formal way to say "give it some time"?

In a more formal context, you might say "allow some time to pass" or "exercise patience".

When is it not appropriate to say "give it some time"?

It may not be appropriate to say "give it some time" when immediate action is required or in situations demanding urgent solutions.

What's the difference between "give it some time" and "leave it some time"?

"Give it some time" generally suggests patience, while "leave it some time" implies physically setting something aside and allowing time to pass.