make time to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make time to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when talking about making the effort to do something by taking time out from other commitments. For example: I know I’ve been busy lately, but I always make time to spend with my family.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Rachel Lee: make time to practice!

Harvard University

1. Make time to prepare healthy meals.

Harvard University

Make time to get yourself ready, too.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

So now I make time to rest.

The Guardian

How do I make time to exercise?

The New York Times - Travel

Will you make time to listen?

The Washington Post

It's Tuesday — make time to read.

The New York Times

We make time to kill time.

The New York Times

He urged Garrett to make time to do the same.

The New York Times - Sports

Make time to exercise, meditate and sleep.

Forbes

Make time to engage with your audience.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "make time to", be specific about the activity you are allocating time for. Clarity enhances the sentence's impact and prevents vagueness.

Common error

Avoid using "make time to" when you have no intention of following through. Empty promises erode trust and credibility. Only use the phrase when you are genuinely committed to dedicating time to the stated activity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make time to" functions as an infinitive phrase, typically used to introduce a verb and express purpose or intention. As supported by Ludwig AI, this construction shows a deliberate effort to allocate time for a specific activity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "make time to" is a versatile and frequently used expression that indicates a conscious decision to allocate time for a specific activity. As validated by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and adaptable to various contexts, ranging from personal commitments to professional responsibilities. Its usage is particularly common in news and media, as well as general online content. When incorporating "make time to" into your writing, be clear about the activity you're referencing and ensure that your intention aligns with your actions. Alternatives like "dedicate time to" or "set aside time for" can add nuance depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dedicate time to

Emphasizes a formal commitment of time to a specific activity.

set aside time for

Suggests reserving time within a schedule for a particular purpose.

find time for

Implies discovering or creating small pockets of time amidst a busy schedule.

schedule time for

Focuses on the act of planning and adding an activity to a timetable.

allocate time to

Highlights the distribution of time among various tasks or activities.

prioritize time for

Emphasizes the importance of giving precedence to a particular activity.

carve out time for

Suggests actively and deliberately creating time, often by sacrificing other activities.

free up time for

Indicates making time available by completing or delegating other tasks.

create time for

Stresses the active construction of opportunities for a specific activity.

invest time in

Highlights the commitment of time with the expectation of a return or benefit.

FAQs

How can I use "make time to" effectively in a sentence?

Use "make time to" to express your intention to allocate time for a specific activity, for instance, "I need to "make time to exercise" more regularly".

What are some alternatives to "make time to"?

You can use phrases like "dedicate time to", "set aside time for", or "find time for" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "make time to" or "find time to"?

Both "make time to" and "find time to" are correct. "Make time to" implies actively creating the time, while "find time to" suggests discovering existing pockets of time.

How does "make time to" differ from "have time to"?

"Make time to" implies a deliberate effort to create time in your schedule, while "have time to" suggests that the time is already available without special effort.