time to kill

USAGE SUMMARY

'time to kill' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to suggest that one has time to do something; usually an activity that might be perceived as enjoyable or recreational. For example, "I have some time to kill before the movie starts, so I think I'll take a walk around the block."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Now it's the time to kill.

The New Yorker

Still have time to kill?

The New York Times

There was time to kill.

The New York Times - Food

It's time to kill off Rick.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

We make time to kill time.

The New York Times

Sterling Marlin had some time to kill.

The New York Times - Sports

Time to kill this monstrosity coming out of the Senate".

The New Yorker

"Next time, to kill a piece by different means.

The New Yorker

It's time to kill Americans in their heartland,"he adds.

The Guardian

People weren't just listening because they had time to kill.

MIT Technology Review

Not a skier but in Mongolia with time to kill?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing more formal situations, consider alternatives like "available time" or "leisure time" to maintain a professional tone.

Common error

Avoid using "time to kill" when describing situations involving serious or solemn events. While grammatically correct, its casual tone can be inappropriate and disrespectful in such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "time to kill" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a period of free time where one seeks an activity to prevent boredom. Ludwig confirms this usage, showing it's recognized and accepted in contemporary English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

17%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "time to kill" is a common noun phrase used to describe having free time and needing to find an activity to occupy oneself. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, predominantly in news and media. While generally neutral in register, it leans towards informal and may not be suitable for highly formal or academic settings. For more formal situations, alternatives like "available time" or "leisure time" may be more appropriate. Remember to use "time to kill" when you want to describe those moments when you have free time and are looking for something to do.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

free time

Emphasizes the lack of obligations during this period.

time to spare

Similar to "spare time" but emphasizes having enough time to complete a task or activity.

spare time

Focuses on the availability of time, emphasizing its potential for various activities.

available time

Directly states the presence of unused or uncommitted time.

extra time

Highlights that the time is additional or unexpected.

leisure time

Specifically highlights time dedicated to relaxation and enjoyment.

time on one's hands

Indicates having more time than necessary, often leading to a search for activities.

downtime

Implies a period of rest or inactivity, often after a period of work or stress.

unoccupied time

Stresses that the time is not being used for any particular purpose.

idle hours

Suggests time spent without any specific purpose or activity, often implying boredom.

FAQs

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

You can use "time to kill" to describe having free time and looking for something to do. For example, "I have some "time to kill" before my flight, so I'll grab a coffee".

What are some alternatives to "time to kill"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "spare time", "leisure time", or "free time".

Is "time to kill" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "time to kill" is generally more suitable for informal contexts. In formal writing, consider using alternatives like "available time" or "unoccupied time".

What does "time to kill" mean?

It means having a period of time with no specific obligations or activities planned, often leading to a search for something to occupy oneself.