make time for

USAGE SUMMARY

"make time for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to express the idea of taking time out of a busy schedule to do something important. For example, "I need to make time for my weekly phone call to my grandparents."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And make time for friends.

The New York Times

"You make time for it".

The New York Times - Arts

Make Time for a Social Life.

Science Magazine

I make time for my family.

Forbes

Make time for date night and romance.

Forbes

Berbatov does make time for the fans.

BBC

Make time for revision.

WikiHow

Make time for youself.

WikiHow

Make time for friends.

WikiHow

Make time for breakfast.

WikiHow

Make time for everything.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When scheduling activities, visualize your day and realistically block off specific times for tasks, rather than vaguely intending to "make time for" them later. This ensures that important activities don't get overlooked.

Common error

Avoid over-scheduling when you say you'll "make time for" something. It's easy to underestimate how long tasks will take, leading to stress and incomplete work. Factor in buffer time between activities to maintain a realistic and sustainable schedule.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make time for" functions as a verb phrase. It is used to express the act of allocating or scheduling time for a specific activity, person, or purpose. As shown in the Ludwig examples, it's often followed by a noun indicating what one is creating time for.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

50%

News & Media

31%

Science & Research

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make time for" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that signifies the act of setting aside time for a specific purpose. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It's versatile enough for various contexts, although it leans towards the neutral to informal side. To use it effectively, visualize your schedule and realistically allocate time for your tasks to ensure your most important activities don't fall by the wayside. Remember to prioritize, considering alternatives like "allocate time for" or "dedicate time to" in more formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

set aside time for

This alternative emphasizes a deliberate allocation of time, similar to "make time for", but with a slightly more formal tone.

dedicate time to

This suggests a commitment of time to a specific activity or purpose, carrying a slightly stronger sense of importance than "make time for".

allocate time for

This phrase is more formal and implies a structured or planned distribution of time.

find time for

This suggests discovering or creating time within an existing schedule, implying the time might be scarce or difficult to secure.

schedule time for

This emphasizes the act of formally planning and including an activity in a timetable.

carve out time for

This phrase suggests effort and determination in creating time for something, often implying a busy schedule.

prioritize time for

This highlights the act of ranking something as important and allocating time accordingly.

give time to

A more general way to indicate spending time on something, lacking the implication of a potentially busy schedule.

invest time in

This suggests that the time spent will yield a return or benefit, adding an element of value or purpose.

create space for

This alternative broadens the concept to include not just time, but also mental or physical space, making it slightly less direct.

FAQs

How can I effectively "make time for" personal hobbies amidst a busy work schedule?

Start by assessing your current schedule and identifying time-wasting activities. Then, allocate specific blocks of time for your hobbies, treating them as important appointments. Consider using alternatives like "schedule time for" or "set aside time for" your hobbies to make them a priority.

What is the difference between "make time for" and "find time for"?

"Make time for" implies actively creating space in your schedule for something, whereas "find time for" suggests discovering or identifying existing pockets of time that can be used. While similar, "make time for" often involves a conscious effort to re-arrange your schedule.

Is it better to "make time for" everything, or should I prioritize?

While it's ideal to "make time for" everything, realistically, prioritization is key. Focus on the most important tasks and activities that align with your goals and values. Use techniques like time blocking or the Eisenhower Matrix to determine what deserves your immediate attention and what can be delegated or eliminated.

What can I say instead of "make time for" in a formal setting?

In a formal context, consider alternatives like "allocate time for" or "dedicate time to". These options convey a more professional and structured approach to time management compared to the more casual "make time for".