private time

USAGE SUMMARY

"private time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to a period of time that is set aside for someone to be alone or spend time with family and friends without any disruption. For example, "I need some private time to relax after a long day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There is no private time".

The New York Times

Dance was my private time.

The New York Times - Arts

But Jane was allowed private time.

The Guardian - Books

So was finding private time together.

The Washington Post

That would teach them that adults needed their private time.

The New Yorker

But that private time is more important than ever".

The New York Times

Dr. Sadick values his private time, of course.

The New York Times

"That's your private time to get a sweat on.

The New York Times

With the house, I get to have my private time".

The New York Times

I want more private time with my chronicles.

The New York Times

"It's private time, it's not billable time," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "private time", be specific about its purpose. Is it for relaxation, personal reflection, or spending time with loved ones? Providing context enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid generic statements like "I need more private time". Instead, describe what you intend to do during that time, such as "I need more private time to focus on my hobbies and recharge".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "private time" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to a period of time reserved for personal activities, reflection, or spending with loved ones. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "private time" is a commonly used noun phrase referring to time dedicated to oneself or close relationships. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and broad applicability. While suitable for both formal and informal contexts, specifying the purpose of "private time" enhances clarity. Alternatives such as ""personal time"", "alone time", and ""quality time"" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. The usage is very common according to Ludwig, especially in News & Media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

personal time

Focuses on time dedicated to oneself, often for relaxation or hobbies.

alone time

Emphasizes being solitary and undisturbed.

downtime

Highlights the relaxed and restful aspect of private time.

leisure time

Suggests time spent on enjoyable activities.

quality time

Emphasizes spending meaningful time with loved ones.

free time

General term for time not occupied by work or obligations.

private moments

Highlights specific instances of privacy and seclusion.

personal space

Focuses on the need for physical and emotional boundaries.

me time

Informal expression for time dedicated to self-care and relaxation.

time to oneself

Emphasizes the individual's need for solitude and independence.

FAQs

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

You can use "private time" to describe moments dedicated to oneself, like in "I value my "personal time" for reading and relaxation", or to describe moments shared with loved ones, as in "We arranged for some "quality time" with the dog".

What are some alternatives to saying "private time"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as ""personal time"", "alone time", ""quality time"", or "downtime".

Is it correct to use "private time" in formal writing?

Yes, "private time" is acceptable in formal writing, especially when discussing work-life balance or personal well-being. However, consider more formal alternatives like ""personal time"" in highly professional contexts.

What's the difference between "private time" and "personal space"?

"Private time" refers to a period dedicated to oneself or specific individuals, while "personal space" relates to the physical and emotional boundaries one needs to feel comfortable. You can have private time within your personal space.