on their time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on their time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to actions or events that occur according to someone's own schedule or availability. Example: "They prefer to complete the project on their time rather than adhering to a strict deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

There's absolutely no shortage of demands on their time.

The Guardian

Many doctors consider family members impositions on their time.

The New York Times - Health

With hundreds of outlets seeking interviews, the pressure on their time is immense.

Independent

Others, like Dr. Simmons, worry about the increasing demands on their time.

The New York Times

The return on their time invested was even worse when commuting times were included.

The Guardian - Sport

Others complained of increased workloads and growing demands on their time, while salaries stagnated.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

13Note that we classify plants based on their time-average of the female share.

IZA Journal of Labor Economics

During this period the specimens were monitored to collect information on their time-dependent behaviour.

Engineering Structures

The 3-D movie follows an entrepreneurial canine and a young boy on their time-traveling adventures.

Los Angeles Times

Time-resolved (TR) techniques provide a means of discriminating photons based on their time-of-flight.

Biomedical Optics Express

Transcription factors were clustered based on their time-dependent α-coefficient profiles using a hierarchical clustering method.

BMC Systems Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "on their time", ensure the context clearly indicates whose schedule or availability is being referenced to avoid ambiguity. For example, be explicit: "Employees can complete the training on their time, outside of regular work hours."

Common error

Avoid assuming that "on their time" always implies a lack of obligation. While it often suggests flexibility, it can also indicate a required activity completed outside of regular duties. Clarify the expectations to prevent misunderstandings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on their time" functions primarily as an adverbial prepositional phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to specify when an action occurs. Ludwig's examples show how it indicates the timing of events is determined by the subject's schedule or availability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the prepositional phrase "on their time" is a versatile and frequently used expression to denote that actions or events are scheduled according to an individual's availability or convenience. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread applicability across diverse contexts, from news and media to scientific literature. While it suggests flexibility, it's important to clarify the context to avoid misinterpretations about obligations. Alternatives like "at their convenience" or "according to their schedule" can offer nuanced substitutions depending on the intended emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at their convenience

Emphasizes flexibility and lack of imposition.

according to their schedule

Highlights adherence to a pre-established plan.

when they are available

Focuses on the condition of being free to act.

in their own time

Stresses personal control over the timing.

as they see fit

Implies autonomy in deciding when to proceed.

at their leisure

Suggests a relaxed and unhurried pace.

on their own terms

Highlights the conditions under which they operate.

when time permits

Indicates dependence on having sufficient time available.

as their schedule allows

Highlights that completion depends on schedule's flexibility.

at a pace of their choosing

Emphasizes the ability to determine the speed of progress.

FAQs

How can I use "on their time" in a sentence?

Use "on their time" to indicate that someone is doing something according to their own schedule or availability. For example, "Employees can complete the training "at their convenience", on their time."

What's a good substitute for "on their time"?

Alternatives include "at their convenience", "according to their schedule", or "in their own time" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "on their free time" instead of "on their time"?

While "on their free time" is grammatically correct, "on their time" is broader and can encompass both work-related and leisure activities done according to their schedule. "On their free time" specifically refers to activities done during leisure.

What does it mean when someone says they'll do something "on their own time"?

Saying they'll do something "on their own time" implies they will do it when they personally have the time and resources available, and not necessarily within a specific timeframe dictated by others. It suggests autonomy and self-direction.