nothing but time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "nothing but time" is correct and usable in written English.
It is generally used to mean "all we have is time" and implies that there is no other remedy or solution to a given problem. For example, "We have nothing but time to solve this issue, so let's take our time and get it right."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Rabalais said, "She has nothing but time".

The New Yorker

Right now I have nothing but time.

The New York Times

You ain't got nothing but time!

The New York Times - Sports

Prison is nothing but time.

The Washington Post

Now there is nothing but time.

The Guardian - Books

At bottom, they are nothing but time with your fellows.

The New York Times - Magazine

And in it he saw our affliction: Nothing but time.

The New Yorker

Through it all, he had nothing but time to watch what was going on around him.

University of California, Berkeley

Nothing but time on your hands!" No one seemed to catch the double meaning.

The New York Times - Sports

In other words, what do you do when life gives you nothing but time and coconuts?

The New York Times

"Usually we share coffee or drinks, but here we shared nothing but time".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "nothing but time" when you want to emphasize that time is the only resource or constraint in a particular situation. For example, "The project requires focus and dedication; fortunately, we have nothing but time to complete it."

Common error

Avoid using "nothing but time" when you intend to convey that time is scarce or a limiting factor. This phrase implies an abundance of time, not a lack thereof.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "nothing but time" functions as an adverbial phrase emphasizing the availability of time as a primary or sole condition. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use to denote a situation where time is plentiful, often in contrast to other lacking resources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "nothing but time" is a common expression used to indicate an abundance of time, often when other resources are scarce. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It functions as an adverbial phrase, primarily found in News & Media and Academic contexts. Related phrases like "time to spare" or "plenty of time" share a similar meaning. While its usage is generally straightforward, avoid using it when intending to convey a lack of time. With its neutral register, "nothing but time" serves as a versatile expression for describing situations where time is the prevailing element.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

time to spare

Focuses on having excess time available.

plenty of time

Emphasizes the availability of ample time.

all the time in the world

Highlights the vastness of available time, potentially implying a lack of urgency.

time on my hands

Suggests having free time, often due to a lack of occupation.

ample opportunity

Shifts the focus from time itself to the opportunities that time allows.

unlimited time

Emphasizes that there are no time constraints.

an eternity

Emphasizes an indefinite and seemingly endless duration.

a free moment

Focuses on the availability of even short intervals of free time.

leisure time

Emphasizes the quality of the available time, highlighting its potential for relaxation and enjoyment.

hours to kill

Expresses the need to fill time, often due to boredom or inactivity.

FAQs

How can I use "nothing but time" in a sentence?

You can use "nothing but time" to emphasize that time is the only thing available to someone or necessary for something. For instance, "Since the merger is already approved, we have "nothing but time" to integrate the two companies smoothly."

What does "nothing but time" mean?

"Nothing but time" means that someone has plenty of time and little else. It often suggests a lack of resources or constraints other than the availability of time.

What are some alternatives to "nothing but time"?

Alternatives include phrases like "time to spare", "plenty of time", or "all the time in the world", which also emphasize the abundance of time.

Is it correct to say "anything but time" instead of "nothing but time"?

No, "anything but time" has a different meaning. It implies that time is the one thing you don't have, the opposite of ""nothing but time"".