time is money

USAGE SUMMARY

"Time is money" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when talking about how valuable time is, and how important it is to make the most of it, or not to waste it. For example: "Many of us forget how valuable time is; after all, time is money."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Time is money Is it worth it?

Independent

"Chair time is money.

The New York Times - Health

Supposedly, time is money:.

The New Yorker

Their position: Time is money.

The New York Times

Time is money, sure.

The New York Times

But time is money.

The New York Times

Time is money, the old saying goes.

Independent

And on the set, time is money.

The New York Times

The motivation for ditching time is money.

The New York Times

That saves time, and time is money.

The New Yorker

But hey, time is money.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "time is money" to motivate yourself and others to stay focused and avoid distractions that can lead to wasted time and lost opportunities.

Common error

While "time is money" is a well-known adage, avoid using it excessively in a single conversation or piece of writing. Overuse can make your communication sound repetitive and may dilute the impact of your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "time is money" functions as a proverb, a concise statement expressing a general truth or piece of advice. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to underscore the value of time, particularly in relation to potential financial gain or lost opportunity. Its primary grammatical function is to serve as a succinct reminder of the importance of efficiency.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the proverb "time is money" is a widely recognized and grammatically sound phrase used to underscore the importance of time as a valuable resource. As Ludwig AI confirms, it communicates the need for efficiency and productivity across various contexts. It commonly appears in news and media, formal business settings, and even scientific discussions. While its register is generally neutral, it's important to use it judiciously to avoid overuse or insensitivity in situations requiring empathy. Remember, making the most of your time can have significant benefits, but maintaining a balanced perspective is also key.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

time equals money

Directly equates time with monetary value using 'equals' instead of 'is'.

wasting time is losing money

Directly links wasted time to financial loss.

time has value

Highlights that time possesses inherent worth, similar to money.

time is precious

Highlights the inherent value and limited nature of time, similar to the value of money.

time is a resource

Frames time as a limited and valuable asset, like money.

every minute counts

Emphasizes the importance of each unit of time, suggesting it should be used wisely.

make the most of your time

Suggests utilizing time effectively, hinting at potential benefits.

efficiency pays

Focuses on the financial benefits derived from being efficient with time.

avoid wasting time

Advises against inefficient time use, implying a loss of potential gains.

productivity matters

Underscores the significance of productive use of time, implying financial reward.

FAQs

How can I use "time is money" in a sentence?

You can use "time is money" to emphasize the importance of efficiency and productivity. For example, "We need to streamline this process because, as they say, "time is money"".

What does "time is money" actually mean?

The proverb "time is money" means that time is a valuable resource and should be used wisely because wasted time could translate to lost financial opportunities or productivity.

What can I say instead of "time is money"?

Alternatives include "efficiency pays", "every minute counts", or "time equals money", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use the phrase "time is money"?

While generally acceptable, using "time is money" may be inappropriate in situations where empathy or understanding is needed. In those cases, focus on the personal impact of delays rather than the financial implications.