monopolize time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "monopolize time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone takes up an excessive amount of time, often at the expense of others. Example: "During the meeting, John tended to monopolize time with his lengthy explanations, leaving little room for others to contribute."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

They monopolize time, attention and energy, and as a result, the accompanying dishes become little more than afterthoughts.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Basically, I would spend several nights at a guy's house and allow him to monopolize my time completely, be it dates, Netflix and chill, or phone time throughout the day," said the 26-year-old writer from Atlanta.

Huffington Post

"This is too important a year to have anything else monopolize my time," said Torre, acting like a diplomat.

The New York Times - Sports

My prediction is that Uber will monopolize that time through personalized and premium content that's served through the app during rides.

TechCrunch

These things that monopolize our time, our money, and our resources.

Huffington Post

What if you turned away from the distractions that monopolize your time and attention and grasped the sacred moments passing you by? Turn off the music in the car.

Huffington Post

You can also gently suggest they need to mingle by saying something like, "I don't want to monopolize your time, I need to let you go and meet some more people" or "Well, it was great to see you again!" Remember, you're not asking permission to leave, you are taking control of the situation.

Huffington Post

I promised we'd keep this short Santa, I know you've got lots of boys and girls to see through the holiday season, and the last thing we want to do is monopolize your time; selfish boys end up on the Naughty List.

Huffington Post

Monopolize your time wisely.

WikiHow

Pretend not to get their jokes, be over-protective, even monopolize their time.

WikiHow

A good clerk is happy to assist in any way possible, but please do not monopolize their time.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you want to avoid letting one task consume excessive resources, actively manage schedules and set time limits to prevent it from "monopolizing time".

Common error

While "monopolize time" is acceptable, avoid using it excessively in casual conversations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "take up time" or "fill time" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "monopolize time" functions as a verb phrase, where "monopolize" is a transitive verb taking "time" as its direct object. It describes the action of dominating or controlling the use of time. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

29%

Science

23%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "monopolize time" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that describes the act of dominating or excessively occupying time. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in written English. While suitable for both formal and informal contexts, it's most commonly found in news articles, wikis, and scientific literature. Alternatives like "dominate time", "occupy time", and "consume time" can be used to add variety to writing. When using the phrase, ensure the context aligns with the desired level of formality, and be mindful of time management strategies to prevent it from happening unintentionally.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dominate time

Replaces "monopolize" with "dominate", suggesting a strong influence on time usage.

occupy time

Focuses on the act of filling time, rather than controlling it.

consume time

Highlights the depletion of time resources.

take up time

Emphasizes the amount of time an activity requires.

fill time

Suggests using time, often without a negative connotation.

absorb time

Implies that time is being soaked up or engrossed.

hog time

Informal way of saying someone is selfishly taking up time.

control time

Suggests having power over how time is used.

devour time

Stronger emphasis on time being quickly used up.

eat up time

Casual expression for consuming time, often unexpectedly.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "monopolize time" in a sentence?

Consider using alternatives such as "dominate time", "occupy time", or "consume time", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does it mean to "monopolize time"?

To "monopolize time" means to take up or control a large portion of available time, often preventing others from using it or causing an imbalance in how time is allocated.

Is it appropriate to use "monopolize time" in formal writing?

Yes, "monopolize time" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing resource allocation, project management, or time management strategies. However, context matters; ensure the tone aligns with the overall formality of the piece.

What are some strategies to prevent someone from "monopolizing time" in meetings?

Implement structured agendas, time limits for each speaker or topic, and active facilitation to ensure balanced participation and prevent any single individual from "dominating time".