how about time

USAGE SUMMARY

'how about time' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it as a way to ask someone how much time they need or have, or to suggest a change in the amount of time available for something. For example: "We have a lot to do in the next two hours, how about time?" or "This project is taking longer than expected, how about time?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

How about time frame?

The New York Times

And how about time off?

Forbes

Did you know that The Walt Disney Company owns ABC? How about Time Warner? Did you know it owns CNN? Did you know that News Corp owns Fox, the Wall Street Journal and the New York Post?

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Now how about equal time for time?

The New York Times - Tech

"How about 'big-time'?" "I like 'big-time' better anyway," Gaudelli said.

The New Yorker

How about 140 times?

Forbes

At the same time, how about fixing that prison problem?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Next time, how about not? .

Huffington Post

But, in the mean time, how about a black 100?

Huffington Post

How About 20 Pages at a Time?

The New York Times - Tech

How about, "You voted too many times in the _______ contest".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "how about time" to propose an adjustment, be clear about whether you are suggesting more time, less time, or a reallocation of existing time.

Common error

Avoid using "how about time" without context, as it can be ambiguous. Ensure the listener or reader understands whether you are asking about available time, suggesting a change in schedule, or introducing the topic of time as a factor.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "how about time" primarily functions as an interrogative phrase used to initiate a discussion or suggestion regarding time. It serves to explore the availability, allocation, or consideration of time in a given context. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "how about time" functions as an interrogative used to initiate discussions about time, encompassing its availability, allocation, and consideration. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and utility in written English. While its register is generally neutral, it may require more formal alternatives in professional or academic contexts. Common usage occurs in news and media, as well as formal business settings. When utilizing this phrase, clarity is paramount, particularly to avoid ambiguity about the specific aspect of time being addressed. Alternatives such as "regarding the time" or "in terms of time" can offer increased formality. Ultimately, understanding the subtle nuances of "how about time" enhances communication, ensuring its effective integration into various writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what about time

Replaces "how" with "what", slightly altering the tone but maintaining the core inquiry about time.

regarding the time

Shifts from a suggestion to a more direct inquiry or statement concerning time.

concerning the time

Similar to 'regarding the time', but can sound slightly more formal.

what's the time frame

Specifically asks about the duration or period involved.

time-wise, what are we looking at

More colloquial and directly addresses the time aspect of a situation.

in terms of time

Introduces a consideration of time as a factor in a discussion.

with respect to time

Similar to 'in terms of time', adding a degree of formality.

considering the time

Suggests taking the available or required time into account.

how does time factor in

Asks about the influence or impact of time on a particular situation.

what is the timeline

Focuses specifically on the sequence and duration of events.

FAQs

How can I use "how about time" in a sentence?

You can use "how about time" to inquire about available time, suggest a schedule change, or introduce time as a consideration. For example, "We need to finish this soon; "how about time"?" indicates a need to discuss time management.

What's a more formal alternative to "how about time"?

More formal alternatives include "regarding the time" or "concerning the time". These options shift the tone to a more direct inquiry or statement about time.

Is "how about time" suitable for professional communication?

While generally acceptable, consider the context. In formal settings, phrases like "in terms of time" or "with respect to time" might be more appropriate. Ensure your intended meaning is clear in any setting.

What does "what about time" mean, and how does it differ from "how about time"?

"What about time" and "how about time" are nearly synonymous but differ slightly in tone. "How about time" is a more direct suggestion or inquiry, while "what about time" can sometimes imply a challenge or disagreement.