set a time

USAGE SUMMARY

"set a time" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to mean to establish or schedule a specific time for something to occur. Here is an example sentence: "Let's set a time for our meeting tomorrow so we can all make sure to be there."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Set a time and location to meet.

Columbia University

He refuses to set a time limit for success.

The Economist

You can set a time limit for this task.

The New York Times - Tech

Set a time to celebrate what you've done each day.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Set a time in advance, set a timer.

The Guardian - Books

"I haven't set a time line," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

"I asked them to set a time for success".

The New York Times

The Bryans set a time to practice in the morning.

The New York Times - Magazine

We downloaded Skype and set a time to connect.

The New York Times - Magazine

One good way to do this is to set a time for 20 minutes of monotasking.

Stanford University

Introductory emails set a time and place, and even offer conversation icebreakers.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When coordinating with others, always clarify the time zone to avoid confusion. For example, "Let's "set a time" for 3 PM EST."

Common error

Avoid using "set a time" in contexts where a more formal term like "schedule" or "designate" might be more appropriate, such as in official documents or formal invitations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "set a time" functions as a directive, used to instruct or propose the act of establishing a specific time. As evidenced by Ludwig, this phrase frequently appears in the context of scheduling meetings and planning events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Academia

21%

Wiki

32%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "set a time" is a versatile and commonly used expression for scheduling and coordinating activities. It is grammatically correct and applicable in various contexts, from everyday conversations to professional settings. While more formal alternatives exist, "set a time" offers a straightforward way to propose the act of deciding when something should occur. Ludwig AI indicates its frequent usage across news media, academic writing, and general how-to guides, reflecting its broad applicability. Remember to clarify time zones and tailor your language to the specific situation for maximum clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

schedule a moment

This alternative uses "schedule" instead of "set", implying a more formal arrangement.

arrange a time

"Arrange" suggests coordination and planning, similar to "set" but with a slightly different connotation.

fix a time

"Fix" implies establishing a time definitively, emphasizing certainty.

determine a time

"Determine" suggests a process of figuring out the best time, rather than simply setting it.

establish a time

"Establish" carries a more formal tone than "set", suitable for official contexts.

designate a time

"Designate" implies assigning a specific time for a particular purpose.

allocate a time

"Allocate" suggests reserving time from a larger pool of available time.

nominate a time

"Nominate" is generally used to propose a time among various possibilities.

agree on a time

This emphasizes the collaborative aspect of choosing a time with other parties.

book a time

Similar to schedule, commonly used when registering or reserving time for some event.

FAQs

What does "set a time" mean?

The phrase "set a time" means to decide on and arrange a specific time for something to happen, such as a meeting or an event.

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

You can use it like this: "Let's "set a time" to discuss the project next week".

What are some alternatives to saying "set a time"?

You can use alternatives like "schedule a moment", "arrange a time", or "fix a time" depending on the context.

Is "set a time" formal or informal?

The phrase "set a time" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives might be preferred in some situations.