surplus time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "surplus time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to extra or additional time that is available beyond what is necessary or required. Example: "After finishing my work early, I found myself with surplus time to pursue my hobbies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

The manner in which this surplus time is utilized varies, of course, with the individual.

Harvard Business Review

We agreed her involvement would be minimal, because she had about as little surplus time as I had financing.

The New York Times

As Schopenhauer insisted, life for the person of means becomes a question of how to dispose of surplus time.

The Guardian - Opinion

The ethic of permaculture is the movement's Nicene Creed, or golden rule: care of the earth; care of people; and a return of surplus time, energy and money, to the cause of bettering the earth and its people.

The New York Times

In essence, therefore, open source involves two things: putting spare capacity (geeks' surplus time and skill) into economic production; and sharing.Economists have not always found it easy to explain why self-interested people would freely share scarce, privately owned resources.

The Economist

What is new for most societies European, American, African, and Asian is the attempt to provide a substantial period of formal education for everyone and not just for the small proportion of the population who will become political, social, and religious leaders or for those few who possess surplus time and money for the purpose.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

So that's the difference between necessary and surplus labor time.

Yale University

The third trait of natural freedom is the relation to a surplus of time.

Yale University

Mr. Greene is described as "bored and lonely with a surplus of time".

The New York Times

And Marx has the idea of a rate of exploitation, which is the ratio of necessary to surplus labor time.

Yale University

Left to her own devices and given a surplus of time, Rihanna does not constrict herself or draw clean lines.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation where individuals have "surplus time", consider specifying how they utilize it to provide a clearer understanding of the context.

Common error

Avoid using "surplus time" when simply referring to free time in a general sense. "Surplus time" often implies an unexpected or unusually large amount of available time.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "surplus time" typically functions as a noun phrase. It refers to an amount of time that is in excess of what is needed or expected. Ludwig AI confirms this through its analysis of various examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

23%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "surplus time" refers to having more time than is needed or expected and is grammatically sound for usage in English. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While not exceptionally common, it appears in diverse contexts, including news, academic writing, and encyclopedias. When using this phrase, ensure that it reflects an actual excess of time, not merely typical free time. Alternatives such as "extra time" or "spare time" may be suitable substitutes depending on the nuance you want to express.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

excess time

Focuses on the quantity of additional time available.

spare time

Implies available time not currently allocated to any specific activity.

free time

Highlights the lack of obligations or responsibilities during this time.

leisure time

Emphasizes the recreational use of the available time.

extra hours

Specifically refers to additional hours beyond the usual amount.

additional time

A more formal and general way to describe having more time.

unallocated time

Suggests that the time has not been assigned to any task or purpose.

available time

Focuses on the usability of the time, indicating it's ready for use.

unoccupied time

Emphasizes the state of not being busy or engaged during that time.

time to spare

Expresses that there is enough time available to do something.

FAQs

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

You can use "surplus time" to describe having extra time beyond what is needed or expected, such as "After finishing the project early, I had some "surplus time" to relax".

What are some alternatives to "surplus time"?

Alternatives include "excess time", "spare time", or "free time", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "surplus time" formal or informal?

"Surplus time" is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. It's a relatively neutral phrase that can be used in various types of writing and conversation.

What's the difference between "surplus time" and "free time"?

"Free time" generally refers to any time that is not obligated, while "surplus time" suggests an unexpected or additional amount of free time beyond what is typically available. While related, they are not always interchangeable.