setting aside time to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "setting aside time to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the act of reserving or dedicating time for a specific purpose or activity. Example: "I will be setting aside time to work on my personal projects this weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

At the same time, the White House's actions suggest that Mr. Bush is approaching the United Nations vote much as he has approached big votes in Congress: Setting aside time to twist arms and cajole, and leaving open the exact timing of the vote until it works to his maximum advantage.

The New York Times

"Setting aside time to make it special," Mrs. Reed said.

The New York Times - Style

That framework need not be rocket science: for example, limits on hours worked; ensuring proper breaks; and setting aside time to discuss problems with a line manager.

The Guardian

This let's you really enjoy the holiday period because setting aside time to get things done will allow you to truly relax when you're doing nothing.

The Guardian

Cath Harrison, founder and managing director of JobVacancyPortal.co.uk, suggests setting aside time to go through applications in one batch, rather than piecemeal, as this is a "much more efficient and effective way of shortlisting".

The Guardian

If men are not convinced of the importance of setting aside time to raise children, there is little hope that society or employers will make the changes Hewlett calls for -- allowing both men and women time banks of paid parenting leave, for example, or reduced hours and career breaks to raise children.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

They have set aside time to carry out activities that did nothing obviously useful.

The Guardian - Arts

After the war Dr. Friedman set aside time to serve as a medical consultant to assist returning veterans.

The New York Times

But the live-video effort forces you not only to leave the stream but to set aside time to watch.

The New Yorker

If they, too, are overwhelmed, she says, we will have to set aside time to handle it on our return.

The New York Times

And I made sure that every day we set aside time to fling the toy mice around the living room.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When planning projects, proactively "setting aside time to" break down tasks into smaller, manageable steps enhances efficiency and reduces overwhelm.

Common error

Avoid over-scheduling by failing to consider transition times between activities. Instead of rigidly packing your schedule, "setting aside time to" allow for unexpected delays, like traffic or urgent requests, prevents stress and maintains productivity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "setting aside time to" functions as a gerund phrase, often used as a noun, describing the act of allocating or reserving time for a specific purpose. Ludwig provides many examples from various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Wiki

17%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "setting aside time to" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that conveys the deliberate act of allocating time for a specific purpose. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its validity and wide applicability across various contexts, particularly in news, media, science, and general writing. When writing, consider alternatives like ""allocating time for"" or ""dedicating time to"" for nuanced emphasis. Remember to balance scheduling with buffer time to avoid overcommitment. Using this phrase effectively enhances clarity and reinforces the importance of intentional time management.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

allocating time for

Focuses on the distribution of time among different activities.

dedicating time to

Emphasizes commitment and purpose in spending time.

making time for

Suggests effort is needed to find or create time for something.

reserving time for

Implies setting time apart from other obligations.

scheduling time for

Indicates a planned allocation of time.

earmarking time for

Highlights the designation of time for a specific purpose.

freeing up time for

Suggests clearing other commitments to make time available.

devoting time to

Implies giving a significant amount of time to something.

allotting time to

Similar to allocating, but can also suggest a formal distribution.

designating time for

Focuses on the official or deliberate assignment of time.

FAQs

How can I use "setting aside time to" effectively in a sentence?

Use "setting aside time to" to emphasize the importance of dedicating moments for specific activities. For example, "I am "dedicating time to" learn new things" or "It's important "setting aside time to" relax".

What are some alternatives to "setting aside time to"?

Alternatives include "allocating time for", "dedicating time to", or "making time for", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "setting aside time to" or "set aside time to"?

"Setting aside time to" (gerund) emphasizes the action, while "set aside time to" (imperative) is a direct instruction. Choose the one that best fits the grammatical structure and intended meaning of your sentence.

What's the difference between "setting aside time to" and "finding time to"?

"Setting aside time to" implies a deliberate act of planning, whereas "finding time to" suggests squeezing something into an already busy schedule. The former is proactive; the latter, often reactive.