precious time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "precious time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the value or importance of time, often in contexts where time is limited or valuable. Example: "We must make the most of our precious time together before the project deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is precious time.

Independent

Precious time, indeed.

The New York Times

So Eurovision is precious time.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Bickering has consumed precious time.

The Economist

C. Wyeth: Precious Time".

The New York Times - Arts

We've wasted precious time.

The Guardian - Opinion

"But they have already lost precious time".

The New York Times

But that could take precious time.

The Economist

Saves you a lot of precious time.

The Guardian

It was a precious time.

The Guardian

Precious time had been lost.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about deadlines or urgent matters, use "precious time" to highlight the importance of efficiency and avoiding delays.

Common error

Avoid using "precious time" in casual conversations or informal writing where simpler phrases like "time" or "moment" would suffice. Overusing it can sound overly dramatic or insincere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "precious time" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "precious" modifies the noun "time", emphasizing its value and importance. Ludwig examples show it's often used to highlight the significance of a limited resource.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

31%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

5%

Social Media

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "precious time" is a noun phrase emphasizing the high value and limited availability of time. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in News & Media and Science contexts. While versatile, it's best reserved for situations where the importance of time needs special emphasis, avoiding overuse in casual settings. Alternatives like "valuable time" or "invaluable time" can provide similar meaning with slightly different nuances. Understanding its appropriate usage will enhance your writing and ensure your message resonates effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

valuable time

Replaces "precious" with a synonym emphasizing the worth of the time.

invaluable time

Emphasizes that the time is so valuable that it's impossible to put a price on it.

irreplaceable time

Highlights that the time cannot be recovered or substituted.

limited time

Focuses on the finite amount of time available.

fleeting time

Emphasizes the short duration of the time.

golden opportunity

Highlights the advantageous nature of the available time.

prime moment

Focuses on the optimal timing of the situation.

critical juncture

Highlights the importance of the current time in determining future outcomes.

significant moment

Highlights that the time is important or notable.

special occasion

Emphasizes the uniqueness and value of the time.

FAQs

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

"Precious time" emphasizes the value of time, particularly when it's limited or crucial. For example, "We need to use our "precious time" wisely to meet the deadline."

What can I say instead of "precious time"?

Alternatives include "valuable time", "invaluable time", or "limited time", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "precious time" is appropriate for formal writing when you want to emphasize the importance and scarcity of time. It's commonly used in business, academic, and news contexts.

What's the difference between "precious time" and "valuable time"?

While both phrases highlight the importance of time, "precious time" often carries a stronger emotional weight, suggesting that the time is particularly cherished or irreplaceable, whereas "valuable time" simply denotes that the time is useful and should be used effectively.