time

USAGE SUMMARY

'time' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use 'time' whenever you are referring to a duration, such as a particular moment, a period of time, or a specific instance. For example: "I don't have the time to do all of this right now."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"But time is running out".

The New York Times

Time is short.

The New York Times

There is no time to waste.

The New York Times

But yes, he does stare at people from time to time.

The Guardian - Opinion

IT WAS only a matter of time.

The New York Times

That time is gone.

The New York Times

About time, too.

The Guardian - Business

Time to move on.

The New York Times

Not before time.

The Guardian - Business

That will take time.

The New York Times

But it is no less shocking to consider that, far from being neutral as was claimed at the time, it is clear that the government took a deliberately calculated political approach guided by a complete hostility to the coalfield communities.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing schedules or deadlines, use "time" precisely to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify "the meeting time" rather than simply "the meeting".

Common error

Avoid using "time" when you actually mean "when". For example, instead of "the time that I arrived", use "when I arrived".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "time" is as a noun, referring to a duration, a point in time, or an instance. According to Ludwig AI, the word is considered correct and usable in written English. Examples from Ludwig showcase its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "time" is a highly versatile noun denoting duration, specific points, or occurrences, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. Its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across contexts, particularly in News & Media, underscores its importance in everyday communication. While synonyms like "duration", "period", and "moment" offer nuanced alternatives, understanding the subtle differences can enhance writing precision. To avoid common errors, ensure "time" isn't mistakenly used in place of "when", maintaining clarity and accuracy. As shown by Ludwig's diverse examples, "time" adapts to various contexts, solidifying its place as an indispensable component of the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

duration

Emphasizes the length or extent of an event or period, rather than a specific point.

period

Refers to a specific segment of time with a defined beginning and end.

moment

Highlights a very brief duration or a specific point in time.

instance

Focuses on a particular occurrence or event at a certain time.

occasion

Signifies a particular event or celebration that takes place at a specific time.

era

Denotes a distinct period characterized by specific social, political, or cultural features.

age

Similar to 'era', but can also refer to a personal stage of life.

span

Highlights the continuous duration between two points in time.

season

Refers to a specific period of the year or a specific time for an activity.

stage

Highlights a phase or step within a longer process or period.

FAQs

How can I use "time" in a sentence?

"Time" can be used in various contexts to refer to duration, a specific moment, or an instance. For example, "I don't have enough "time" to finish this project today".

What's the difference between "time" and "duration"?

"Time" is a more general term, while "duration" specifically refers to the length of something from beginning to end.

What are some synonyms for "time" in different contexts?

Depending on the context, you could use "moment", "period", "instance", or "occasion" as alternatives to "time".

Is it correct to say "the time is of the essence"?

Yes, "the time is of the essence" is a common idiom that means something is extremely urgent and needs to be done quickly.