pencil in a time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pencil in a time" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when you want to schedule or tentatively arrange a meeting or appointment. Example: "Can we pencil in a time to discuss the project next week?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Lucky insists that, thanks to his STD, she's the first woman to "keep the lead in his pencil" in a long time, the sweet-talking devil.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Might sound counter-intuitive, but if you want any hope of being on your best form when hanging out with other people, pencil in a little you time before you go out.

Vice

Then, pencil-in some time to "deal with the routine… like email, social media, etc.," she wrote.

BBC

1. Pencil in Time to Redefine Your Success (Lock Yourself in the Bathroom if You Must) I could have said "Pencil in Me Time" time but my type A personality is so hooked to continuously striving towards goals that I felt "me" time needed some repositioning.

Huffington Post

Pencil in reading time daily.

Huffington Post

Pencil in some time that works for you and stick to it.

Huffington Post

I hope that by reading this, you'll feel compelled to actually pencil in some time for more frivolity.

Huffington Post

Just as married couples plan "dates" to pencil in specific time for one another, "dates" with your older children work the same way.

WikiHow

Occasionally I'd find time to pencil in a bathroom break.

Huffington Post

If you cannot finish a job in the time you planned, immediately pencil in a date on the calendar when you can return and complete the work.

The New York Times

The solution is to pencil in truly quality time with each other, he said.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pencil in a time" when you want to tentatively schedule something, implying the time is not yet confirmed. It's suitable for informal and semi-formal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "pencil in a time" when a firm, unchangeable appointment has already been made. Use phrases like "schedule" or "confirm" when the time is definite.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pencil in a time" functions as an idiomatic expression used to suggest a tentative arrangement or scheduling of an event. It conveys the idea that the arrangement is not yet confirmed and is subject to change, similar to how one might lightly write something in pencil, allowing for easy alterations. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it signals a preliminary commitment.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "pencil in a time" is a correct and usable English idiom for tentatively scheduling an event. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. Although there aren't any exact examples of its usage in the provided data, it typically functions to propose a possible time with the understanding that it's not yet firmly confirmed. It fits comfortably into both casual and professional settings, showing its versatile nature. When using this phrase, ensure the tentative nature of the schedule is clear. Alternatives such as "schedule a time", "arrange a time", or "set aside time" can be used depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

schedule a time

Replaces "pencil in" with the more direct term "schedule".

set aside time

Emphasizes reserving time specifically for an activity.

arrange a time

A general way to say that you will make time for something.

book a slot

Suggests reserving a specific time slot, often for appointments.

reserve time

Focuses on reserving a period for a particular purpose.

allocate time

Highlights the act of dedicating time to a task or event.

make an appointment

Formal way to schedule a meeting or service.

fix a time

Emphasizes establishing a firm time for an event.

block out time

Suggests dedicating a significant amount of time in one's schedule.

mark time in the calendar

Highlights the practical act of scheduling something on a calendar.

FAQs

What does "pencil in a time" mean?

The phrase "pencil in a time" means to tentatively schedule an event or appointment, implying that the time is not yet firmly fixed and might be subject to change.

How can I use "pencil in a time" in a sentence?

You can use it to suggest a tentative plan, such as, "Let's "pencil in a time" for our next meeting, and we can confirm it later."

What's the difference between "schedule a time" and "pencil in a time"?

"Schedule a time" generally implies a confirmed arrangement, while ""pencil in a time"" suggests a more tentative or provisional plan.

Are there more formal alternatives to "pencil in a time"?

Yes, you can use more formal alternatives like "arrange a time", "schedule a meeting", or "set a date" in professional settings.