time to burn

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "time to burn" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that there is free time available to spend or use as one wishes, often implying a sense of leisure or opportunity. Example: "With nothing scheduled for the afternoon, it was time to burn, so I decided to explore the city."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

General Conversation

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

They all have time to burn.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Now's the time to burn it, I said.

The New Yorker

Now is the time to burn false equivalencies forever.

The New Yorker

But then I'm not trying to keep up with hardcore players who have time to burn.

The Guardian - Tech

5 p.m. 7) TAKE A HIKE Time to burn off that foie gras.

The New York Times - Travel

But there is still time to burn a few hundred bucks on lunch.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Especially when the plane hasn't had time to burn off its fuel load.

The Guardian - Travel

It gives you lots of time to burn it off before you go to sleep.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Using a flame weeder, for example, requires finding the right time to burn off weeds and not young crop seedlings.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

The fire behavior was assessed by measuring smoke evolution, burning drips, flaming debris, and the time to burn-through of monocrystalline, polycrystalline and amorphous silicon panels.

Fire Safety Journal

After working between New York and Barcelona consulting and helping startups we decided it was time to 'burn the ships down' and start our own.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "time to burn" to suggest a relaxed and flexible approach to using available time, such as planning a leisurely activity or exploring new interests.

Common error

Avoid using "time to burn" excessively in formal or professional contexts. Overuse can make your writing sound informal or even flippant. Opt for more precise language when discussing deadlines, project timelines or scheduling.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "time to burn" functions as an idiomatic expression indicating the availability of free time. It is often used to suggest that someone has the opportunity to engage in leisurely activities or pursue personal interests. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Lifestyle

20%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "time to burn" is a common idiomatic phrase used to describe having available or free time. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correctness and usability. While versatile, it's best suited for informal settings. Its grammatical function involves indicating discretionary time. While synonyms such as ""time to spare"" exist, "time to burn" often implies a more relaxed, less structured approach to utilizing that time. Remember to consider context and audience to ensure appropriateness when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

time to spare

Indicates available time, often implying a lack of urgency.

extra time

Simply indicates an additional amount of time.

free time available

Directly states the presence of unallocated time.

time off

Implies a break from work or other obligations.

leisure time

Emphasizes the recreational aspect of the available time.

time on one's hands

Suggests having more time than needed, possibly leading to boredom.

opportunity to use

Focuses on the chance to utilize resources or abilities.

chance to utilize

Highlights the availability of a chance to make use of something.

surplus time

Implies having more time than is strictly necessary.

ample opportunity

Emphasizes the abundance of chances to do something.

FAQs

What does "time to burn" mean?

The phrase "time to burn" means having free or available time to spend as one wishes, often suggesting a relaxed or unhurried approach.

How can I use "time to burn" in a sentence?

You can use "time to burn" to describe having free time, like: "Since the meeting was canceled, I have "time to burn" this afternoon."

What are some alternatives to "time to burn"?

Alternatives include "time to spare", "free time available", or "leisure time", depending on the specific context.

Is "time to burn" appropriate for professional communication?

While "time to burn" is widely understood, it's generally more suitable for informal or casual settings. In professional contexts, consider using more formal alternatives like "available time" or "free time".