lock in a time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lock in a time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to confirm or schedule a specific time for an event or meeting. Example: "Let's lock in a time for our meeting next week so we can finalize the project details."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

And Sequoia Capital gets to lock in a near-$near-$1 billiont a time winn the rest of the venture industry is on the ropes.

TechCrunch

High-interest-rate currencies are at a discount in the forward market; low-rate currencies at a premium.If that were not so, it would be possible for a Japanese investor to sell yen, buy dollars, invest those dollars at high American interest rates for 12 months and simultaneously sell the dollars forward for yen to lock in a profit in a year's time.

The Economist

"This is how the year started off, which we hope will continue, but rising interest rates make monthly mortgage payments more expensive, so now is the time to lock in a good rate on a loan".

The New York Times

"This way they were able to lock in a 7.125 percent rate through the time of their closing and the difference in their monthly payments is great," she said.

The New York Times

Now is the exact wrong time to lock in a new trade deal that would undermine our climate goals.

Huffington Post

With that looming over our heads, now is a good time to lock in a 0% interest rate and begin paying down your credit card debt.

Huffington Post

For a long time political behaviour in the Commons seemed locked in a time warp; but there is now an escape committee at work.

The Guardian - Opinion

More than 50 years after the Fifth Avenue Grocery in Roundup closed, locking in a time warp thousands of items, most of them in mint condition, the store's contents are to be auctioned next week in Billings.

The New York Times

"The law governing the private sector has been frozen for more than 60 years, locked in a time when women worked in the home, most families had only one wage earner and nobody went to kids' soccer games," Ms. Biggert said.

The New York Times

They are sadly locked in a time warp.

Huffington Post

Locked in a time warp from the early 1900's, they still view our public lands as ATM machines for unsustainable economic uses and exploitation.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lock in a time", ensure the context clearly indicates you are confirming or finalizing a specific time for an event, appointment, or commitment. This phrase works well in business or personal settings where scheduling is important.

Common error

Avoid using "lock in a time" when the situation requires more flexible scheduling. The phrase implies a commitment to a fixed time, which may not be appropriate if the time is still tentative or subject to change.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lock in a time" functions as a directive, used to prompt action related to scheduling. It suggests confirming or securing a specific timeframe for an event or meeting, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

17%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lock in a time" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase for confirming a specific time, as indicated by Ludwig. While not overly common, it finds relevance in news, media, scientific and informal communications, to confirm specific timing arrangements. The phrase conveys a sense of decisiveness and commitment. Related phrases include "arrange a specific time" or "confirm a time slot". When using the phrase, ensure the context supports a firm scheduling commitment, otherwise more general scheduling terms could be considered. The source analysis suggests that the phrase is valid and can be applied to different context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

arrange a specific time

Focuses on the act of arranging, implying a mutual agreement on timing.

confirm a time slot

Highlights confirming an existing slot, rather than creating a new one.

schedule a meeting

Specifies the context of scheduling, narrowing the scope to meetings.

nail down a time

Implies securing a time definitively, leaving no room for changes.

fix a date and time

Emphasizes both the date and time components of the schedule.

set a firm time

Highlights the intention of establishing a definite time.

establish a timeline

Shifts the focus from a specific time to an entire sequence of events.

secure a time frame

Highlights the action of making a time frame secured.

finalize the timing

Suggests concluding the process of timing arrangement.

specify a period

Emphasizes a period of time.

FAQs

How can I use "lock in a time" in a sentence?

You can use "lock in a time" when you are trying to confirm or finalize a specific time for an event or meeting. For example, "Let's lock in a time for our next call."

What are some alternatives to "lock in a time"?

Alternatives to "lock in a time" include "schedule a meeting", "confirm a time slot", or "arrange a specific time", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "lock in a time" in formal communication?

Yes, "lock in a time" can be used in formal communication, particularly in business settings, to indicate the firm establishment of a time for a meeting or other engagement. However, depending on the target audience you can consider more formal options such as "schedule a meeting".

What does "locking in" a time actually mean?

"Locking in" a time means to secure and confirm a specific time, ensuring that all parties involved are committed to that time. It implies that the time is now fixed and unlikely to be changed.