have devoted much time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have devoted much time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the amount of time you have dedicated to a particular task or project. Example: "I have devoted much time to researching the effects of climate change on marine life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Mr Ahern has become a close friend and ally of Tony Blair, Britain's prime minister: the two have devoted much time to trying for a peaceful settlement in Northern Ireland.

The Economist

Both Mr. Bush and Mr. Gore have devoted much time on the campaign trail to Social Security and both plan to deliver major addresses on the topic on Monday.

The New York Times

Many people have devoted much time to assembling these facts in a desperate bid to get Democrats to start using them in their arguments (see: the entire Lefty blogosphere for the past year).

Huffington Post

You can find a lot of information in books and online, as people have devoted much time to writing about drinking tea.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

He seems comfortable with the military-influenced democracy and has devoted much time to foreign affairs.

The New York Times

Mr. Gray's loss is particularly significant, because Mr. Sharpton has devoted much time and energy to South Carolina.

The New York Times

Facing only token opposition in his re-election bid this year, he has devoted much time to campaigning for primary challengers.

The New York Times

Mr. Bush was perhaps most passionate when he discussed education, an issue he has devoted much time to as governor.

The New York Times

Mr. Milken, later stricken by prostate cancer, has devoted much time and wealth to the support of cancer research.

The New York Times

About ten years ago Ms Brown discovered two of her ancestors were buried there; since then, she has devoted much time to learning about and maintaining the cemetery.

The Economist

Here it is stately and pleasant, the pride of a community that has devoted much time and effort to protecting the homes that are its foundation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing how resources are being used, consider pairing "have devoted much time" with a quantifiable measure, such as "have devoted much time and resources", to strengthen your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "have devoted much time" interchangeably with phrases like "have spent much time" if you want to highlight the element of dedication. "Spent" is more neutral, while "devoted" implies a deeper commitment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have devoted much time" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of dedicating a significant amount of time to a specific task or cause. It emphasizes commitment and investment of time, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "have devoted much time" is grammatically correct and signifies a considerable investment of time with a sense of dedication. While Ludwig indicates its usage is relatively rare, it finds its place in news, media and wiki contexts. Alternatives include phrases like "have dedicated considerable time" or "have spent a lot of time", depending on the desired emphasis. When using this phrase, be sure to highlight the purpose and commitment behind the time spent, distinguishing it from simply spending time. Remember to avoid confusing it with similar phrases that don't fully capture the dedication implied.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have dedicated considerable time

Emphasizes the dedication involved in spending time, implying a strong commitment.

have invested significant time

Highlights the investment aspect of time, suggesting a return or benefit is expected.

have spent a lot of time

Focuses on the act of spending time, without necessarily implying dedication.

have allocated substantial time

Stresses the deliberate allocation of time, implying a planned or structured approach.

have put a great deal of time into

Emphasizes the effort exerted over time.

have dedicated a significant portion of time

Highlights the portion of the time spent.

have been heavily involved for a long time

Focuses on heavy involvement over a long period.

have toiled assiduously through time

Emphasizes the action of toiling with an added emphasis on the time spent.

have pored intensely over days

Highlights the intensity of effort spent.

have labored persistently through time

Emphasizes persistent labor through time.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "have devoted much time" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "have dedicated considerable time" or "have invested significant time", which emphasize commitment and investment.

When is it appropriate to use "have devoted much time" in writing?

It's suitable when you want to highlight the effort and commitment someone has made to a specific task or area. For instance, "The researcher "has devoted much time" to studying the effects of climate change."

What's the difference between "have devoted much time" and "have spent much time"?

"Have spent much time" simply indicates the duration of time used, while "have devoted much time" emphasizes dedication and commitment, implying a purposeful and significant investment of time.

Can I use "have dedicated much time" instead of "have devoted much time"?

While both are similar, "have dedicated much time" carries a slightly stronger sense of purpose and intentionality than "have devoted much time". Devoted suggests a strong affection or loyalty, while dedicated emphasizes commitment to a specific goal.