time aside

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "time aside" is not commonly used in written English and may be considered incorrect in certain contexts.
It can be used when referring to setting aside time for a specific purpose or activity. Example: "I need to set some time aside to focus on my personal projects this weekend."

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

From then on he set time aside daily to seek God's will in silent reflection.

Independent

Set some time aside for this one, but the punch is at the end.

The Guardian - Tech

You have to commit to CBT; you have to put the time aside.

The Guardian

Climate also varies and evolves naturally over time, aside from human influence.

The New York Times

For starters, try putting a little time aside on the weekends to prep for the week ahead.

The New Yorker

Complete immersion in the catalogue of someone of Roy Orbison's stature is worth setting time aside for.

The Guardian - Music

I have not, however, made any donations to the Conservative Party for some considerable time, aside from modest contributions towards the campaign costs of individual Tory candidates.

The Economist

And of course, at the end of the day, he would have set some time aside for me, over the phone or maybe dinner.

The New York Times

"The time aside is sacred".

Forbes

"It's setting time aside for social interaction.

BBC

Prep time aside, the procedure took 15 minutes.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When scheduling activities, always consider the necessary "time aside" for preparation, execution, and follow-up to ensure effective time management.

Common error

Avoid underestimating the "time aside" needed for tasks; always factor in potential delays, interruptions, and unexpected complications to maintain realistic schedules and reduce stress.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "time aside" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It represents a duration or period specifically allocated or reserved for a particular activity or purpose. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its use in contexts related to scheduling, preparation, and personal activities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

41%

News & Media

40%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "time aside" is a commonly used noun phrase referring to a period allocated for a specific purpose. While generally acceptable, especially in news and wiki contexts, more formal alternatives like "designated time" or "scheduled time" may be preferable in certain situations. Ludwig's analysis indicates that while the phrase is widely understood, careful consideration of context and audience is key to choosing the most effective wording. Remember to factor in buffer time and avoid underestimating the "time aside" needed for tasks to ensure realistic schedules and reduce stress. The frequency of the phrase is very common; however, it is important to use it correctly in order to convey the intended message clearly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

set apart time

Focuses on reserving time, similar to "time aside", but emphasizes the act of making it distinct.

allocate time

Highlights the distribution of time for different activities, implying a more structured approach.

dedicate time

Emphasizes the commitment of time to a particular task or purpose.

reserve time

Implies setting time aside in advance for a specific reason.

make time

Suggests actively creating time in a busy schedule, emphasizing effort.

free up time

Focuses on clearing time from other commitments to allow for a specific activity.

schedule time

Emphasizes planning and organizing time for a specific purpose.

earmark time

Implies setting aside time for a specific purpose, often with a sense of importance.

designate time

Similar to allocate but suggests more authority or intention.

find time

Implies discovering or identifying available time within a busy schedule.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "time aside" in my daily routine?

Start by identifying your priorities and allocating specific blocks of "time aside" for each task. Use tools like calendars and reminders to ensure you stick to your schedule and minimize distractions.

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

You can use alternatives like "set apart time", "allocate time", or "dedicate time" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to use "time aside" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, in formal contexts, consider using more precise phrases like "designated time" or "scheduled time" for enhanced clarity. The formality depends on the context and audience.

How does "time aside" differ from "free time"?

"Time aside" implies a deliberate allocation of time for a specific purpose, while "free time" refers to unstructured, unscheduled periods available for leisure or personal activities.