investing time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "investing time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the act of dedicating time to a particular activity or project, often implying that the time spent will yield future benefits. Example: "I believe that investing time in learning new skills will pay off in my career advancement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Learning the basics is worth investing time in.

The Guardian

Investing time in the hiring process will be worthwhile.

The Guardian

Finding the right startup job requires investing time in research.

Harvard Business Review

Investing; Time to Jump Back Into Junk Bonds?

The New York Times

And additionally, we're investing time in a dip in productivity.

Harvard Business Review

Archives|Investing; Time to Jump Back Into Junk Bonds?

The New York Times

Investing time in work delivered tangible returns like raises and profits.

The New York Times

Help others develop by investing time and effort in coaching and/or mentoring.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Investing time in crafting a really strong CV and updating your LinkedIn profile will reap benefits.

The Guardian

So the Irish are investing time and money to hang onto their Irish identity.

The New York Times

The notion of investing time in my celebrity was anathema to me..

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the long-term benefits of learning or developing a skill, use "investing time" to highlight the potential return on effort. For example: "Investing time in mastering data analysis will significantly boost your career prospects."

Common error

While "investing time" is valid, avoid using it when simply describing how time is spent on routine or fleeting activities. It's more appropriate for activities expected to yield a future benefit. Consider using "spending time" instead for casual activities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "investing time" functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as the subject or part of the predicate in a sentence. It signifies the act of allocating time with the expectation of future benefits. Ludwig AI confirms the validity and usability of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

25%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

15%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "investing time" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase signifying the strategic allocation of time with the anticipation of future benefits. As Ludwig AI indicates, its usage is considered correct and versatile. While appropriate for various contexts, it is most common in news, scientific, and academic writing. Remember to use "investing time" when you want to emphasize the potential return on effort and to consider alternative phrases like "dedicating time" or "spending time" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dedicating time

Focuses on the act of setting aside time for a specific purpose.

spending time

A more general term for using time, without necessarily implying a return on investment.

allocating time

Emphasizes the strategic distribution of time among different tasks.

devoting time

Suggests a strong commitment of time to a particular activity or cause.

putting time into

Highlights the effort and energy expended when working on something.

committing time

Implies a formal or definite decision to spend time on something.

making time for

Suggests creating time in a busy schedule for something important.

utilizing time

Focuses on using time effectively and efficiently.

applying time

Emphasizes the practical use of time for a specific purpose or task.

channeling time

Suggests directing time strategically toward a particular goal.

FAQs

What does "investing time" mean?

"Investing time" refers to allocating time and effort into an activity with the expectation of future benefits or returns, similar to investing money. It implies a strategic use of time for long-term gain.

What can I say instead of "investing time"?

You can use alternatives like "dedicating time", "spending time", or "allocating time" depending on the context.

How is "investing time" different from "spending time"?

"Investing time" implies an expectation of future returns or benefits from the activity, while "spending time" is a more general term that simply refers to using time without necessarily implying a specific outcome.

Is "investing time" a formal or informal expression?

"Investing time" is generally suitable for both formal and informal contexts, as seen in its usage across news media, academic research, and business communications. Its appropriateness depends more on the overall tone and purpose of the writing.