have insufficient time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have insufficient time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a lack of adequate time to complete a task or meet a deadline. Example: "I regret to inform you that I have insufficient time to attend the meeting this afternoon."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Some also have insufficient time and resources to deliver everything that's expected of them, the report found.

The Guardian

He said that even if the Israelis did clear him for entry, he would now have insufficient time in his schedule to visit the West Bank.

The Guardian

In practice, organizations may have insufficient time and staff to perform this extensive project.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

Information about temporal, spatial, and physical activity patterns are also important but are likely to have insufficient time resolution over the period of study interest.

Environmental Health Perspectives

16 17 Yet health professionals have insufficient time for this; hence, intensive multidisciplinary team interventions have been proposed to address health inequalities.

BMJ Open

However, GPs see around 30 patients per day and may have insufficient time to discuss such a difficult issue as increasing physical activity with patients who they expect to be less motivated.

BMC Family Practice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

In his final years, Havel made only occasional public appearances, and would often say that he had insufficient time to resume his literary work.

The Guardian

It has now filed results from the last fiscal year, but Marcum & Kliegman, a Woodbury accounting firm hired last month to replace KPMG, had insufficient time to audit them, Mr. Buchel said.

The New York Times

In temperate-zone mountains, the brevity of the growing season is of paramount importance because tree shoot tissues that have had insufficient time to harden before growth ceases and winter conditions begin may die when frozen.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Capacitive imaging technique can be used as complementary to UT for imaging shallow defects in composite materials at depths where UT has insufficient time domain resolution.

Composites Part B: Engineering

With a fast indentation, the graphene has insufficient time to respond, which leads to a high load, elastic and plastic energies, and relaxation force.  .

Nanoscale Research Letters

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "have insufficient time", clearly state the task or activity for which time is lacking to provide context and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid simply stating "I have insufficient time" without specifying what you lack time for. Provide context to make your statement clear and actionable. Instead of "I have insufficient time", say "I have insufficient time to complete the report by the deadline."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have insufficient time" functions as a statement indicating a lack of adequate time to perform a specific task or fulfill a requirement. As seen in the examples provided by Ludwig, this phrase expresses a constraint or limitation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

64%

News & Media

21%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "have insufficient time" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression to denote a lack of adequate time for a given task. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase in written English. While suitable for various contexts, it is more common in scientific and news media sources. To enhance clarity, it's advisable to specify the task for which time is lacking. Alternatives like "lack the time" or "do not have enough time" can be used depending on the desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lack the time

A more concise way to express the absence of sufficient time.

not have enough time

A straightforward and commonly used alternative.

be pressed for time

Implies urgency and a shortage of time due to external pressures.

be short on time

Similar to "be pressed for time", suggesting a limited amount of time available.

run out of time

Indicates the exhaustion of available time before completing a task.

not have the bandwidth

A more informal way of saying you don't have the capacity (time, energy, resources) to handle something.

be unable to dedicate the time

Emphasizes the inability to allocate the necessary time for a specific purpose.

find oneself time-constrained

Highlights the condition of being limited by time constraints.

be stretched too thin

Suggests being overburdened with multiple responsibilities, leading to a lack of time for each.

cannot spare the time

Indicates the inability to allocate time due to other commitments or priorities.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "have insufficient time" in a professional setting?

In professional contexts, consider using phrases like "lack the time", "unable to dedicate the necessary time", or "be pressed for time" to convey the message with appropriate formality.

What's the difference between "have insufficient time" and "be short on time"?

While both phrases indicate a lack of adequate time, "be short on time" often implies a more immediate or pressing deadline, whereas "have insufficient time" can refer to a general lack of time for a task.

Is it grammatically correct to say "do not have enough time" instead of "have insufficient time"?

Yes, "do not have enough time" is a grammatically correct and widely accepted alternative. It is a more straightforward and less formal way to express the same idea.

In what situations is it appropriate to use "have insufficient time"?

The phrase "have insufficient time" is appropriate in various situations, from formal reports and professional communication to casual conversations. Its suitability largely depends on the context and the desired level of formality.