time on this

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "time on this" is not complete and lacks clarity in written English.
It could be used in contexts where you are referring to the amount of time spent on a specific task or project, but it needs additional context to be fully understood. Example: "I need to spend more time on this project to ensure its success."

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

No need to spend much time on this one.

TechCrunch

I think I might need more time on this one.

Vice

I've taken my time on this.

The New York Times

Give us time on this hill.

The New York Times - Sports

He spent real time on this letter.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I spend zero time on this issue," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

Wallace is ahead of his time on this score.

The Guardian - Sport

We spent huge amounts of time on this.

The Guardian

We know our time on this Earth is fleeting.

The New York Times

I had an easier time on this front.

The New York Times

But we all have a time on this planet, and I've had a great time on this tour".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "time on this", ensure the context clearly specifies what "this" refers to, avoiding ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "I need more time on this", specify "I need more time on this project".

Common error

Avoid using "time on this" without a clear antecedent for "this". Always specify what you are dedicating time to, such as a specific task, project, or topic. Failing to do so can lead to confusion and misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "time on this" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase often acting as an adverbial modifier. It indicates the duration or allocation of effort directed towards a specific subject, though as noted by Ludwig AI, the reference of "this" needs to be clear.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "time on this" is a commonly used prepositional phrase that requires careful attention to context for clarity. While Ludwig AI notes that it may lack explicitness on its own, its widespread use across news media, scientific publications, and formal business contexts suggests it is generally acceptable. To ensure effective communication, specifying what "this" refers to is crucial. Alternatives such as "time dedicated to this" or "effort put into this" offer nuanced ways to express the allocation of time and resources. Therefore, while "time on this" is prevalent, clarity and context are key to its proper use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

time dedicated to this

Replaces "on" with "dedicated to", emphasizing the commitment of time.

time spent on this matter

Substitutes "this" with "this matter", adding formality and specificity.

duration allocated for this

Uses "duration allocated" instead of "time", focusing on a specific timeframe.

period allotted to this

Employs "period allotted" to denote a scheduled or assigned timeframe.

resources invested in this

Shifts focus from pure time to the broader concept of resources, including time.

attention given to this

Highlights the level of focus and care applied, rather than strict time measurement.

effort put into this

Emphasizes the work and energy expended, where time is a component.

schedule time for this

Reverses the construction to focus on scheduling as an action to perform

moment spent for this

Focuses on a specific moment dedicated to the subject.

importance given for this

Changes the focus to prioritization of tasks.

FAQs

How can I make the phrase "time on this" more specific?

To enhance clarity, replace "this" with a noun or noun phrase that specifies the subject or task. For example, instead of "time on this", use "time on this report", "time on this analysis", or "time on this issue".

What are some alternatives to "spend time on this"?

Consider alternatives like "dedicate time to this", "allocate time for this", or "invest time in this". Each option subtly shifts the emphasis, allowing you to select the most appropriate phrase for your context. For example, you could use "dedicate time to this" to emphasize commitment, or "allocate time for this" when scheduling.

Is it grammatically correct to say "time on this"?

While commonly used, the phrase "time on this" is often improved by adding a verb to complete the thought. For example, "the time spent on this project" or "the time allocated on this task". These more explicit forms enhance clarity.

How does the formality of "time on this" compare to alternatives?

The phrase "time on this" is generally neutral. For more formal contexts, alternatives like "time dedicated to this" or "resources invested in this" may be more suitable, as they convey a greater sense of commitment and importance.