set the time

USAGE SUMMARY

"set the time" is a grammatically correct phrase in written English.
You could use it in various situations. For example, "I need to set the time on the VCR before I can watch the movie."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Don't set the time limit.

The Washington Post

You cannot set the time limit greater than the default, which is 2 days.

University of California, Berkeley

The President or designee shall set the time and place of meetings.

Columbia University

The Vopos agreed, took the money, and set the time and place for the planned escape.

The New Yorker

Says a close pal: "Elle had just bought a watch and wanted to set the time.

The Guardian - Opinion

They completed the course without penalty in 52.815 seconds to set the time to beat.

The New York Times - Sports

My father wrote that day on paper that set the time and place and the mood.

The New York Times

"The stage is set, the time is now, and the place wherever you are".

The New Yorker

This thing connects to the Internet - do I really have to set the time and date?

The New York Times

Who set the time?

BBC

I set the time for pickup, I set the time for dropoff (the next day).

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone to "set the time" on a device, be specific about whether you mean the current time or a time for a future event (like an alarm).

Common error

Avoid using "set the time" when you actually mean "setting the scene". The former refers to adjusting a clock or scheduling something, while the latter describes creating a specific atmosphere or environment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "set the time" functions primarily as a directive, instructing someone to adjust or configure a clock or schedule. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely understood. Examples from Ludwig show its application in diverse contexts, from setting alarms to adjusting microwave settings.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

42%

News & Media

33%

Science

25%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "set the time" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to instruct someone to adjust or configure a clock or schedule. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's applicable in diverse contexts, from setting alarms to adjusting microwave settings. Usage patterns reveal that it is frequently found in Wiki, News & Media, and Science contexts. While alternatives like "adjust the time" and "configure the time" exist, "set the time" remains the most straightforward and widely understood phrasing. Remember to be specific when using the phrase and avoid confusing it with similar-sounding expressions like "setting the scene".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adjust the time

Focuses on making minor corrections to an existing time.

configure the time

Implies a more technical or system-oriented setup of the time.

determine the time

Emphasizes the act of finding out or establishing what the current or required time is.

establish the time

Highlights the action of formally setting a specific time for an event or system.

schedule the time

Focuses on planning or arranging a specific time for something in advance.

program the time

Suggests entering the time into a device or system for automatic function.

fix the time

Implies repairing or correcting a time that was wrong or broken.

appoint the time

Used to formally decide on a time for a meeting or event.

define the time

Stresses the act of clearly specifying what the time should be.

synchronize the time

Refers to making sure that multiple devices or systems show the same time.

FAQs

How do I use "set the time" in a sentence?

You can use "set the time" when referring to adjusting a clock, scheduling an event, or configuring a device. For example, "Please "set the time" on the microwave before you start cooking."

What's the difference between "set the time" and "adjust the time"?

"Set the time" generally implies establishing the time initially or for a specific purpose, while "adjust the time" suggests making a small correction to an existing time.

What can I say instead of "set the time" when scheduling an appointment?

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

Is it correct to say "setup the time" instead of "set the time"?

While "setup the time" might be understood, "set the time" is the more standard and grammatically correct phrasing. "Setup" is typically used for initial configurations, not for ongoing adjustments.