strapped for time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "strapped for time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe a situation when someone has very little time left to complete a task. For example, "I'm sorry I'm late – I was really strapped for time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

"I know you're strapped for time," Larry said, his voice raspier in just the past day.

The New Yorker

Everyone is strapped for time so there is a big emphasis on multiuse products.

The New York Times

But is it realistic for a charity sector already strapped for time and cash?

The Guardian

An investigator strapped for time and money, or with too limited a brief, might easily be trampled over.

The Economist

Parents are so busy, strapped for time now that a lot of things fall by the wayside.

The New York Times

It's Customizable If you're strapped for time, the suggested Day Plans seem to have something for everyone.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

But if you're a bit strapped for reading time, one group, We Hunted the Mammoth, has taken two things the internet loves – handwritten signs and cats – and created the perfect reply: Confused Cats Against Feminism.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"One of the reasons people don't do this is because they're strapped for development time," he says.

TechCrunch

This combination of infinite selection and total convenience is exactly the type of selling point that appeals to America's workforce, which is increasingly strapped for both time and money.

Vice

Sure, everyone gets strapped for cash from time to time, but if you find that you're the one always paying for dinner, movies, trips, gas, or even the big things, like the person's education, child support, rent and other bills, then you are definitely in a parasitic relationship.

WikiHow

Anyone who feels strapped for money, friends, time or calories is likely to succumb to a similar "scarcity mindset".This mindset brings two benefits.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "strapped for time", clearly indicate what task or activity is being affected by the time constraint to provide context.

Common error

Don't just say you're "strapped for time"; specify how this time constraint impacts your ability to complete tasks or meet obligations. For example, instead of "I'm strapped for time", say "I'm strapped for time, so I can't take on any new projects this week".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "strapped for time" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a subject. It describes a state of having insufficient time available. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Wiki

8%

Huffington Post

4%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "strapped for time" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a lack of available time, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as an adjectival phrase and is suitable for neutral contexts, appearing frequently in news and media. When using this phrase, it's best to provide specific details about how the time constraint affects your actions. Alternatives include phrases like "pressed for time" or "short on time". Remember, clarity is key; always specify the task or activity affected by the time shortage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pressed for time

Replaces "strapped" with "pressed", emphasizing the feeling of being under pressure due to lack of time.

pushed for time

Similar to "pressed for time", indicating a sense of urgency and being hurried.

short on time

Uses "short on" instead of "strapped for", a more direct and common way to express time scarcity.

lacking time

A simple and direct way of saying that someone does not have enough time.

time-constrained

A more formal, single-word adjective describing the state of having limited time.

in a time crunch

Highlights the stressful situation of having very little time.

under a time constraint

A formal way of expressing the limitations imposed by a lack of time.

up against the clock

An idiomatic expression that emphasizes the pressure of a deadline.

with limited time available

A more descriptive phrase specifying the nature of the time shortage.

running out of time

Emphasizes the urgency and the approaching end of the available time.

FAQs

How can I use "strapped for time" in a sentence?

You can use "strapped for time" to explain why you can't do something or why you need to be quick. For example, "I'm "strapped for time", so let's make this meeting brief".

What's a more formal alternative to "strapped for time"?

A more formal alternative is to say you are operating "under a time constraint" or you have "limited time available".

Is it correct to say "strapped of time" instead of "strapped for time"?

No, the correct phrasing is ""strapped for time"". The preposition "for" is essential to the phrase's meaning.

What does it mean to be "strapped for" something?

To be "strapped for" something means to not have enough of it, such as time, money, or resources. The phrase implies a sense of being limited or constrained.