reserve time

USAGE SUMMARY

"reserve time" is a valid phrase and can be used in written English.
It usually means spending time to plan for and do something specific. For example, "I need to reserve time in my schedule to practice my guitar playing."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Experiment and reserve time for the job!

Harvard University

Reserve items must be scanned within the reserve time limit.

University of California, Berkeley

You may reserve time up to 7 days in advance.

Columbia University

Entrepreneurs must reserve time in the early life of a business to be reflective.

Harvard Business Review

The sample and the carrier gas reserve time which ensure the success of multi-cycle detection was examined.

International Journal of Mass Spectrometry

Like traditional telephone calls, they can occur without the participants' having to reserve time with a service provider.

The New York Times

I've always been a huge fan of time blocking as a way to reserve time for important items.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Car-rental companies usually consider a customer a no-show and cancel the reservation two hours after the reserved time.

The New York Times - Travel

Failure to notify a staff member to release the room during your reserved time may impact future reservations requests.

Princeton University

However, the system defaults to your reserved time for billing if you do not start/stop your reservation manually.

Duke University

But he always reserved time for Katie.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When scheduling tasks, "reserve time" in your calendar specifically for focused work, free from distractions, to enhance productivity.

Common error

Avoid rigidly scheduling back-to-back activities when you "reserve time". Always include buffer periods for transitions, unexpected delays, and mental refreshment to prevent burnout and maintain schedule adherence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reserve time" primarily functions as a verb phrase, where "reserve" acts as a transitive verb meaning to set aside or allocate, and "time" is the direct object. It indicates the action of dedicating a portion of one's schedule for a specific purpose. Ludwig provides examples across various contexts demonstrating this function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Academia

35%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "reserve time" is a very common and grammatically sound expression used to denote the act of setting aside or allocating time for a specific purpose. As Ludwig highlights, its usage spans across diverse contexts, including academia, news, and professional settings. The phrase carries a neutral to professional tone, making it suitable for various communication scenarios. To enhance clarity and avoid scheduling errors, it's advisable to incorporate buffer periods and consider alternative phrases like "allocate time" or "schedule time" where appropriate. Ludwig's examples confirm the phrase's versatility and widespread acceptance in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

set aside time

This alternative uses different vocabulary to convey the same meaning of allocating time.

allocate time

This phrase employs a more formal term for dedicating time to a particular activity.

schedule time

Focuses on placing the activity within a structured timetable.

dedicate time

Emphasizes the commitment of time to a specific purpose.

make time

Suggests creating availability in a busy schedule.

block out time

Implies a visual representation of reserving time, such as on a calendar.

earmark time

This alternative is a less common but still applicable phrase for setting time aside.

save time

Emphasizes the act of preventing time from being used for other purposes.

designate time

Conveys a more official or deliberate allocation of time.

free up time

Highlights the act of making time available by removing other commitments.

FAQs

How can I use "reserve time" effectively in project management?

In project management, it's crucial to "reserve time" not only for primary tasks but also for planning, reviews, and addressing unexpected issues. This ensures a smoother workflow and reduces the risk of delays.

What is a good strategy to "reserve time" for personal development?

To "reserve time" for personal development, schedule specific blocks in your calendar, treat them as non-negotiable appointments, and focus on activities that align with your growth goals, such as reading, courses, or skill-building exercises.

What are some alternative phrases for "reserve time" in scheduling contexts?

In scheduling, you can use alternatives like "allocate time", "schedule time", or "set aside time" to convey the same meaning of dedicating time for a particular purpose.

Is there a difference in formality between "reserve time" and "make time"?

"Reserve time" often suggests a more formal or planned allocation, suitable for professional settings, while "make time" can be more casual, implying an effort to find or create availability in a busy schedule.