have time for

USAGE SUMMARY

"have time for" is perfectly correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to denote that there is enough time to do something: I don't have time for a long lunch today, but I can grab something quick.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We do not have time for contemplation".

The New York Times

She doesn't have time for them.

The Guardian

"We don't have time for games".

The New Yorker

Do you have time for that?

The New York Times

They won't have time for me.

The New York Times

"I don't have time for guests".

The New York Times - Food

Does he have time for those too?

Independent

You won't have time for everything.

The New Yorker

I don't have time for this.

The New York Times

I didn't have time for music.

The Economist

They barely have time for games".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "have time for", consider the context to choose the most appropriate synonym, such as "make time for" when emphasizing effort, or "find time for" when time is scarce.

Common error

While "have time for" is perfectly acceptable, in formal writing, consider using more sophisticated alternatives like "allocate time for" or "dedicate time to" to enhance the tone and precision of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have time for" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating the availability or capacity to dedicate time to a specific activity, person, or thing. As Ludwig AI indicates, it suggests the possession of sufficient time for something. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "have time for" is a versatile phrase indicating the availability to dedicate time to something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. While its register is generally neutral, more formal alternatives may be suitable for specific contexts. As evidenced by the examples, it's commonly used in news, academic writing, and everyday conversation to express one's capacity to engage in various activities. Alternatives such as "make time for" or "find time for" offer nuanced ways to express prioritization or the act of creating time. Consider the context and desired tone when selecting the most appropriate phrasing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

make time for

Focuses on actively creating availability, emphasizing effort and intentionality.

find time for

Implies discovering or carving out time from a busy schedule.

set aside time for

Suggests a deliberate allocation of time, often for a specific purpose.

spare time for

Indicates having some free moments available to dedicate to something.

have the leisure for

Highlights the availability of free time and the absence of pressing obligations.

be able to fit in

Emphasizes the ability to incorporate something into an existing schedule.

have the opportunity for

Focuses on the availability of a chance or occasion to do something.

be at liberty to

Implies freedom and permission to dedicate time to something.

be free to

Suggests the absence of constraints, allowing one to dedicate time as desired.

be available for

Highlights one's accessibility and readiness to dedicate time to something.

FAQs

How can I use "have time for" in a sentence?

You can use "have time for" to indicate that you are able to dedicate time to something. For example, "I don't "have time for" games right now" or "Do you "have time for" a quick chat?".

What's a more formal alternative to "have time for"?

In more formal contexts, you could use phrases like "allocate time to", "dedicate time to", or "find the time to" instead of ""have time for"".

Is it correct to say "make time for" instead of "have time for"?

Yes, "make time for" is a perfectly correct and often more emphatic way of saying you will prioritize something in your schedule, while ""have time for"" simply indicates availability.

What's the difference between "have time for" and "find time for"?

"Have time for" implies that the time is readily available, while "find time for" suggests that you need to actively search for or create the time, often in a busy schedule.