stolen time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stolen time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to time that has been taken away or lost, often in a context where one feels they have not been able to use their time as they wished. Example: "After a long week of work, I finally found some stolen time to relax and enjoy my favorite book."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Arts

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

"It's their stolen time.

The Guardian

It's the illicit savor of time stolen, time knowingly and joyfully squandered.

The New York Times

Cars towed away, rows with everyone, unpaid debts, police, stolen checks, stolen kisses, stolen time.

The New Yorker

But there is no actual free time in my day – only stolen time.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Which is why as Election Day approached in 2008 I found myself spending stolen time tracking a campaign office.

The New York Times

This painting is a frozen pastoral of stolen time, in which reality melts and assumes new, idealised forms.

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Michael is stealing time.

The New York Times - Sports

"I stole time to write," she said.

The New Yorker

"We can't steal time," he said.

The New York Times

Each genre steals time from the other.

The New Yorker

As Morgan later told her, they had to "steal time".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stolen time" to evoke a sense of urgency or scarcity, emphasizing that the time is being taken from other obligations or responsibilities.

Common error

Avoid using "stolen time" in highly formal or professional writing, as it can sound too informal or dramatic. Opt for more neutral phrases like "time allocated" or "time used outside of regular hours" in such settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stolen time" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As evidenced by Ludwig, it refers to periods of time that are taken or used illicitly, often implying a sense of guilt or pleasure.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

22%

Arts

9%

Less common in

Books

9%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stolen time" is a noun phrase that describes time taken illicitly from other obligations, often with a sense of urgency or pleasure. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. When writing, remember to consider your audience. While versatile, its slight informality might be unsuitable for formal or professional writing. Consider alternatives like "illicit time" or "secret time" to refine your expression depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

illicit time

Replaces "stolen" with a synonym that emphasizes the unauthorized nature of the time.

secret time

Suggests that the time is being used or enjoyed without others' knowledge.

surreptitious moments

Emphasizes the secretive and fleeting nature of the time.

time snatched

Uses a different verb to convey the idea of quickly taking time.

borrowed moments

Implies that the time is being used temporarily, with the expectation of returning to other obligations.

fleeting respite

Highlights the temporary break from usual activities.

time diverted

Focuses on the action of redirecting time from one activity to another.

extracted time

Suggests a more deliberate and forceful removal of time from other activities.

pilfered moments

Uses a more playful verb to describe the act of taking time.

grabbed moments

Highlights the opportunistic nature of taking time.

FAQs

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

You can use "stolen time" to describe moments taken from other responsibilities, such as, "I cherish these moments of "stolen time" when I can finally read a book".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "stolen time"?

Some alternatives include "illicit time", "secret time", or "surreptitious moments", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "stolen time"?

The phrase "stolen time" is appropriate when you want to emphasize that the time being used is taken from other obligations or is being used in a secretive or unauthorized manner.

Is "stolen time" a formal or informal expression?

"Stolen time" is generally considered an informal expression. In formal contexts, it's better to use more neutral phrases such as "time allocated" or "time used outside of regular hours".