spend increasing time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "spend increasing time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone is dedicating more and more time to a particular activity or task over a period. Example: "As the project progressed, I found myself spending increasing time on research to ensure accuracy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

As more consumers buy smartphones and spend increasing time on the Internet, companies like NetLogic that build the pipelines of the communications industry are becoming increasingly attractive takeover targets.

The New York Times

I worry particularly that big corporations – including UK PLCs – spend increasing time in Brussels lobbying.

TechCrunch

For example, full professors spend increasing time on service at the expense of teaching and research while longer-term associate professors who have not been promoted to full professor spend significantly more time teaching at the expense of research time.

Economics of Education Review

We each spend increasing time online talking, sharing pictures, stories, and memories with others, but it's not often that we consider how many well- and ill-meaning strangers around the world can access this information.

TechCrunch

But as consumers spend increasing time on mobile devices, disaffected developers could choose to focus on marketing their apps directly to Apple Inc's App Store and Google Inc's Play market — two platforms that compete with Facebook.

Huffington Post

Now, you can gather information about people with a simple Google search, or you can connect with them on one of the many social networks that people spend increasing time on.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The reason for this negative effect, best understood by comparing (8) and (14) is that with increasing recovery rate in the SELDCRS model animals spend increasing times in the C phase, i.e. they are no longer considered diseased but continue to spread bacteria.

Genetics, Selection, Evolution

Children today, particularly those with motor disabilities which limit participation in sports or exercise, spend increased time in sedentary screen-based leisure activities, such as watching television or playing sedentary video games.

BMJ Open

In the postwar years, von Neumann spent increasing time as a consultant to government and industry.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But as the unmarried child among his two siblings, and the one who was most readily available, he had spent increasing time with her as she aged.

The New York Times

The homeowner spends increasing time alone in an important new room, a room off-limits to some members of the household: the wiring closet.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "spend increasing time", ensure the context clearly indicates what activity or task is receiving the increased time allocation. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "spend increasing time" when the increased time allocation is perceived negatively. In such cases, consider alternative phrasing that reflects the negative connotation such as "waste", "lose", or "sacrifice" increasing amounts of time.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spend increasing time" functions as a verb phrase indicating the action of allocating more time to a specific activity. It describes a process where the amount of time devoted to something is growing, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

40%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "spend increasing time" is a grammatically sound way to describe a trend of dedicating more time to a specific activity. Ludwig AI analysis confirms it is correct and usable in written English. While it appears most frequently in News & Media and Scientific contexts, more formal situations may benefit from alternatives like "allocate more time" or "devote increasing time". It's crucial to ensure the context aligns with the positive or neutral implication of the phrase and avoid using it when a negative connotation is intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

devote increasing time

Replaces "spend" with "devote", emphasizing dedication rather than mere allocation.

allocate more time

Focuses on the act of distributing time, suitable for formal contexts.

dedicate additional time

Stresses commitment and purpose in spending extra time.

invest more time

Implies an expectation of return or benefit from the time spent.

increase time allocation

More formal and technical, suitable for reports or presentations.

expand time commitment

Highlights the growing obligation or responsibility.

progressively spend more time

Adds emphasis to the gradual nature of the increased time spent.

increasingly dedicate efforts

Shifts focus from time to effort, implying active engagement.

gradually devote more resources

Broadens the scope to include resources beyond just time.

incrementally allocate resources

Similar to above, focusing on the incremental approach to allocation.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "spend increasing time" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "allocate more time", "dedicate additional time", or "increase time allocation".

Is it appropriate to use "spend increasing time" in academic writing?

While "spend increasing time" isn't incorrect, academic writing often benefits from more precise language. Alternatives like "devote increasing time" or "invest more time" might be more suitable, depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "spend increasing time" and "spend more time"?

"Spend increasing time" emphasizes a trend or progression over time, while "spend more time" simply indicates spending a greater amount of time compared to a previous state. The former implies a continuous increase, whereas the latter is a comparative statement.

Can "spend increasing time" be used in a negative context?

While grammatically correct, "spend increasing time" typically implies a positive or neutral allocation of time. If the activity is undesirable, consider using alternatives like "waste more time" or "lose more time" to reflect the negative connotation.