set aside time for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "set aside time for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to dedicating a specific period for an activity or task. Example: "I need to set aside time for studying this weekend to prepare for my exams."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

1. Set aside time for workers to identify improvements.

Harvard Business Review

YOGA Set aside time for yoga or some other exercise.

The New York Times

If prayer heartens or sustains you, set aside time for it.

Harvard University

In October, Ferguson set aside time for members of the HBS soccer club.

Harvard University

Should I set aside time for daydreaming, or should I embrace it when it happens?

Independent

Set aside time for ongoing personal development as a nonnegotiable investment.

Harvard Business Review

From the outset, it is important to set aside time for brainstorming.

The Guardian

They want to set aside time for a more cultural experience".

The New York Times - Travel

So make it your rule to set aside time for sleep before you allocate it for anything else.

Stanford University

It encourages people to set aside time for an elective project, and possibly start a business in the process.

Princeton University

At the retreat, the CEO set aside time for people to team up and flesh out their client development approaches.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In project management, "set aside time for" regular team meetings to ensure alignment and address any roadblocks promptly.

Common error

Avoid tightly packing your schedule without any buffer. Always "set aside time for" unexpected delays or urgent tasks to prevent feeling overwhelmed and falling behind.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "set aside time for" functions as a verb phrase used to indicate the action of allocating or dedicating a specific period to a particular activity or purpose. Ludwig shows it is used across different areas to express intention and planning.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "set aside time for" is a common and grammatically correct way to express the act of dedicating time to a specific activity. Ludwig confirms its broad applicability across contexts such as news, academia, and general advice. To use it effectively, prioritize tasks, schedule specific time slots, and minimize distractions. Remember to allocate buffer time for unexpected delays. By implementing these practices, you can improve productivity and maintain a balanced schedule.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

allocate time for

Uses "allocate" instead of "set aside", emphasizing a more deliberate distribution of time.

dedicate time to

Emphasizes commitment and focus on a particular activity.

reserve time for

Implies holding time specifically for something, preventing it from being used for other activities.

make time for

Focuses on creating time within a busy schedule.

schedule time for

Implies a formal arrangement of time in a planner or calendar.

earmark time for

Suggests designating time for a specific purpose, often with a sense of importance.

find time for

Suggests effort in locating available time within a busy schedule.

allot time for

Similar to "allocate", but can imply a more formal or official distribution of time.

designate time for

A more formal way of saying to assign time for an activity or purpose.

prioritize time for

Emphasizes the importance of giving precedence to a specific activity when planning.

FAQs

How can I effectively "set aside time for" important tasks?

Start by prioritizing your tasks and identifying those that require focused attention. Then, block out specific time slots in your calendar, treating them as non-negotiable appointments. Minimize distractions during these periods to maximize productivity.

What are some alternatives to "set aside time for"?

You can use alternatives such as "allocate time for", "dedicate time to", or "make time for" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to "set aside time for" a single long block or multiple shorter blocks?

It depends on the nature of the task and your personal work style. Some tasks benefit from uninterrupted focus, while others are better approached in shorter bursts with breaks in between. Experiment to see what works best for you.

How can I prevent other commitments from encroaching on the time I've "set aside time for" a specific activity?

Communicate your schedule clearly to others and set boundaries. Use tools like calendar reminders and focus modes to minimize interruptions during your dedicated time slots.