give time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "give time" is not correct and usable in written English in most cases.
It does not convey its intended meaning. Instead, you could use phrases like "allocate time", "allot time" or "set aside time". For example: "We should set aside time each week to reflect on our progress and adjust our goals accordingly."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But, if they can't give cash, they can give time.

Independent

A watch is not really used to give time anymore.

The New York Times

And, what about the desire to give time?

The Guardian

"India has already decided to give time," one official said.

The New York Times

They can give time as well as money.

The Guardian

That would give time to weigh the technologies available against their shortcomings, costs and benefits.

The Economist

Cassie Mogilner says you will feel less rushed if you give time away.

The New York Times

Our policy is to give time and deference to call-ins".

The New York Times

And it is one people should give time to work, Javier Vazquez said.

The New York Times - Sports

I hope I give time to my daughters: Martha, 11, and Anna, eight.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Why do you think editors give time and Web site space to political humor?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to allocating a period for something, use more precise alternatives like "allocate time", "set aside time", or "dedicate time" instead of "give time". These phrases clearly convey the intention of reserving time for a specific purpose.

Common error

Do not use the phrase "give time" when you can be more specific about how time is being used or allocated. For instance, instead of saying "give time to the project", specify "dedicate time to the project" to highlight your commitment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "give time" functions as a verb phrase, often implying the allocation or provision of time. While Ludwig's examples show frequent usage across various contexts, Ludwig AI notes that it is often more grammatically precise to use alternatives.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "give time" is used frequently across various sources, as highlighted by Ludwig's examples. However, Ludwig AI points out that it is often not the most grammatically precise choice. Alternatives like "allocate time", "dedicate time", or "set aside time" can provide clearer and more formal ways to express the intention of providing or assigning time. When aiming for clarity and precision, especially in formal writing, opting for these alternatives is advisable. While "give time" is widely understood, being specific enhances the quality of writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

allocate time

Replaces "give" with a more formal term for distributing time.

dedicate time

Emphasizes a commitment of time for a specific purpose.

set aside time

Suggests reserving time for a particular activity.

allow time

Focuses on permitting enough time for something to happen.

make time

Highlights the effort required to find or create time.

provide time

Offers time as a resource or opportunity.

grant time

Implies officially or formally permitting a time extension.

extend time

Suggests prolonging an existing time frame.

devote time

Similar to dedicate, but can imply a greater degree of passion.

invest time

Presents time as a resource that yields returns.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "give time"?

You can use alternatives like "allocate time", "dedicate time", or "set aside time" depending on the context.

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

While "give time" is frequently used, it's often more grammatically precise to use phrases like "allow time" or "provide time" to clearly indicate the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "give time" and "dedicate time"?

"Dedicate time" emphasizes a commitment and focused effort, while "give time", though common, may not always convey the same level of intention. Using "dedicate time" highlights a deliberate decision to use time for a specific purpose.

Is it better to say "give time" or "make time"?

"Make time" suggests creating or finding time amidst a busy schedule, while "give time", though widely used, might not always convey the active effort of creating that time. Therefore, it may be more appropriate to use "make time" in situations where you are actively prioritizing a task.