it is a waste of time

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence "It is a waste of time" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to express one's opinion on an activity or task they feel is a pointless endeavor. For example, "Studying for this exam is a waste of time - I've already memorized all the material."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Coetzee wrote to Paul Auster of spending most of a Sunday watching Test cricket on TV, despite his awareness that "it is a waste of time … I learn nothing.

The Guardian - Books

It is a waste of time".

The New York Times

It is a waste of time, the president argues.

The New York Times

It is a waste of time, money and life.

The Guardian

"I think it is a waste of time.

The Guardian - Sport

For, I concede, it is a waste of time.

The New Yorker

It is a waste of time, a distraction politics, he concluded.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It is a waste of time and money," my father told me once.

The Guardian

If there are too many girls, it is a waste of time.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It is a waste of time and money and we should not be doing it.

The Guardian

Most of all, it is a waste of time for all parties".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is a waste of time", clearly state the activity you are referring to, to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "It is a waste of time", say "Waiting in this line is a waste of time".

Common error

Avoid using "it is a waste of time" as a dismissive statement without providing a reason or alternative. Offer constructive criticism or suggest a more productive approach instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is a waste of time" primarily functions as a judgment or evaluation. It expresses a negative opinion about the value or usefulness of a particular activity or endeavor. Ludwig AI confirms this through its analysis of numerous examples, showing the phrase's prevalent use in expressing disapproval or skepticism.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

18%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is a waste of time" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to express disapproval or a negative assessment of an activity's value. Ludwig AI's analysis reveals that it functions primarily as a judgment, aiming to discourage engagement in unproductive endeavors. While its register is generally neutral, its frequent occurrence in news and media suggests its widespread use in conveying opinions and evaluations across various contexts. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the activity in question and consider offering constructive alternatives rather than simple dismissal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's a fruitless endeavor

Replaces "waste of time" with a more descriptive term emphasizing the lack of positive results.

it's not worth the effort

Focuses on the disproportion between the required effort and the potential outcome.

it's a pointless exercise

Highlights the lack of purpose or meaningful result from the activity.

it's an unproductive activity

Emphasizes the lack of valuable output or progress.

it's a futile attempt

Suggests that the action is destined to fail, making it a waste of time.

it's spinning your wheels

An idiomatic expression indicating activity without forward progress.

it's going nowhere

Highlights the lack of progress or advancement resulting from the activity.

it's a dead end

Metaphorically suggests that the activity leads to no useful outcome or further opportunities.

it's an exercise in futility

Emphasizes the uselessness and ineffectiveness of the activity.

it's time down the drain

An idiom that suggest time is being wasted.

FAQs

What does "it is a waste of time" mean?

The phrase "it is a waste of time" expresses the opinion that something is not worth doing because it won't produce any valuable results or is not the best use of one's time.

How can I use "it is a waste of time" in a sentence?

You can use "it is a waste of time" to express disapproval of an activity, like in these examples: "Trying to argue with him "it is a waste of time"", "Continuing this project "it is a waste of time"".

What can I say instead of "it is a waste of time"?

You can use alternatives like "it is not worth the effort", "it is a pointless exercise", or "it is a futile attempt" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to say "it is a waste of time"?

It's appropriate when you believe an activity isn't productive or won't lead to a desired outcome. However, consider the impact of your words and whether a more constructive approach is possible. For example, instead of saying studying for the exam is a waste of time, suggest a different strategy or focus on a more relevant subject.