scraps of time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "scraps of time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to small, leftover portions of time that can be utilized for various activities or tasks. Example: "In the busy schedule of her day, she often found herself with only scraps of time to read her favorite book."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"I just read magazines in my scraps of time," another said.

The New York Times - Books

One that is not satisfied with scraps of time and food but dreams perpetually of forests and lampposts?

The New Yorker

From fighting for vegetables to be polished off the dinner plate to battling to keep to a bedtime routine, parenting is a tough, never-ending job allowing mums and dads only scraps of time to recuperate and evaluate before it all starts again the next day.

Independent

Some of the books the club has read so far are Hidden Figures, The Supadupa Kid and A Song for Harlem: Scraps of Time, which they read during Black History Month. .

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"Ever since we had children we have been incredibly disciplined," she said, "that determination to use every scrap of time becomes ingrained, you don't ever lose it".

The Guardian - Arts

The New Yorker, March 24 , 1997P. 72 The two stories, "An Afternoon on the Grass" and "A Second Scrap of Time," take place in a Polish village during World War II.

The New Yorker

"A Second Scrap of Time": "A vast distance separated the old time from the new, the space between the first S.S. operation -- which we still called a roundup -- and the second, which for the first time we called by its proper name, Aktion".

The New Yorker

Mink travels with his teammates in a vehicle the size of a rental-car bus, taking his own room on the road, receiving scraps of playing time during blowouts.

The New York Times - Sports

But will he go the distance and build a viable club career for himself in Europe, or die on the substitutes' bench in Glasgow, shrivel into yet another diminished once-was talent of Australian football, and return to these shores years later, chastened and ready to settle for scraps of game time and a minor ad-deal selling Weetbix on regional TV?

The Guardian - Sport

Every scrap of free time had to be put to good use.

The Guardian - Books

Bill Maxwell had some nice ones, however, though I was too late for his corn or melons, as did Kira Kinney, of Evolutionary Organics, which collects compostable scraps — this time of year that includes enough husks, rinds, pits, and other indigestible organic matter to overflow the bottom drawer of the fridge.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "scraps of time", consider the context to emphasize the limited nature and potential value of short durations for specific tasks or activities. For example, use it when describing how someone manages to fit in reading, exercise, or creative pursuits amidst a busy schedule.

Common error

Avoid using "scraps of time" when referring to significant blocks of time. The phrase specifically denotes very short, often unexpected or unplanned, durations. Using it incorrectly diminishes the impact of longer, more dedicated periods.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "scraps of time" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as an adverbial modifier to indicate when or how something is done. It describes situations where activities are performed during brief, fragmented periods. This aligns with Ludwig's AI assessment of the phrase's usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "scraps of time" is a grammatically sound and understandable expression used to describe short, often unexpected, periods of time that can be utilized for various activities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for written English, carrying a neutral to slightly informal tone. While its usage isn't exceptionally frequent, mainly appearing in news and media contexts, the phrase effectively communicates resourcefulness in using small durations. Remember to use it when referring to brief, fragmented moments rather than substantial blocks of time. Alternatives like "fleeting moments" or "spare minutes" can provide nuanced variations depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fleeting moments

Focuses on the transience and brevity of the time.

odd moments

Highlights the irregularity and unexpectedness of the time.

spare minutes

Emphasizes the availability and potential use of the small amount of time.

brief intervals

Underlines the shortness and limited duration of the time.

small windows of opportunity

Highlights the advantageous use of small amounts of time.

moments here and there

Indicates the scattered and infrequent nature of the available time.

occasional breaks

Suggests time periods that serve to interrupt a longer task.

chance moments

Highlights the role of serendipity in securing the short opportunity.

precious seconds

Highlights the value and need to make the most of the short opportunity.

small opportunities

Focuses on the potential use of the short opportunity.

FAQs

How can I use "scraps of time" in a sentence?

You can use "scraps of time" to describe how someone utilizes small moments throughout the day for activities like reading or quick tasks. For example: "She used "scraps of time" during her commute to catch up on emails".

What's a good alternative to "scraps of time"?

Alternatives to "scraps of time" include "fleeting moments", "spare minutes", or "odd moments", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "scraps of time" in formal writing?

While "scraps of time" is generally acceptable, in formal writing, you might opt for more precise or sophisticated terms like "brief intervals" or "small windows of opportunity" to maintain a higher level of formality.

What is the difference between "scraps of time" and "waste of time"?

"Scraps of time" refers to small, often valuable, portions of time, while "waste of time" refers to an activity that is unproductive or not valuable.