time to spare

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "time to spare" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you wish to convey the idea of having an amount of time in excess of what is needed for a given task. For example, "We were able to finish the project early, leaving us with plenty of time to spare."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Got time to spare?

The New York Times - Travel

Talton had plenty of time to spare.

The Washington Post

"There is no time to spare.

The New York Times

For we have no time to spare!

The New York Times

There was little time to spare.

The New York Times - Sports

She has no time to spare.

The New York Times

I would have plenty of time to spare.

The New York Times

I made it to the airport with time to spare.

The New York Times

He plays, as Moore played, with time to spare.

The New York Times - Sports

It wasn't as though Questlove had time to spare.

The New Yorker

She made her flight with no time to spare.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When planning a project, estimate the time needed and add buffer time, so you'll have "time to spare" if unexpected delays occur.

Common error

Even if you think you have "time to spare", start tasks early to avoid potential issues and ensure higher-quality work.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "time to spare" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb by indicating a state of having excess time. It complements the action by specifying that there is sufficient or additional time available. Ludwig provides numerous examples to reinforce this understanding.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Academia

16%

Travel

9%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

6%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "time to spare" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate the availability of excess time. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is widely used across different contexts, most frequently in News & Media and academic writing. It conveys a sense of being ahead of schedule or having additional time beyond what is required. When writing, ensure you use "time to spare" to express the concept of having sufficient or excess time, and avoid the common error of equating "time to spare" with procrastination. Consider alternatives like "sufficient time available" or "extra time on hand" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

free time available

Focuses on unallocated time, using the word "free".

additional time available

Focuses on the supplemental nature of the time.

extra time on hand

Uses "on hand" to indicate readily available extra time.

excess time available

Emphasizes having more time than is needed.

sufficient time available

Emphasizes having enough time, using "sufficient" instead of "spare".

plenty of time remaining

Highlights the amount of time left, focusing on what remains.

leisure time available

Replaces "spare" with "available", focusing on recreational time.

enough time at one's disposal

Highlights having control over available time.

have leeway with time

Suggests flexibility and margin in scheduling.

ample time to utilize

Stresses the possibility to make use of the time.

FAQs

How can I use the phrase "time to spare" in a sentence?

You can use "time to spare" to indicate you have additional time available beyond what's needed, as in "I arrived at the airport with "time to spare"".

What are some alternatives to "time to spare"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "leisure time available", "extra time on hand", or "sufficient time available".

Is it correct to say "time to spare" or should it be "time for spare"?

"Time to spare" is the correct and idiomatic phrase. "Time for spare" is not a standard expression.

What does it mean to say someone has "time to spare"?

It means they have more than enough time to complete a task or reach a destination, indicating a lack of urgency or pressure.