to make time for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to make time for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing the need to allocate time for a specific activity or person. Example: "I need to make time for my family this weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"You want to make time for them.

The New York Times - Sports

He needs to make time for the family's Sunday dinner.

The New York Times

So you have to make time for your relationship.

The New York Times

Commanders have to make time for observant soldiers to pray.

The New York Times

And she makes me want to make time for her.

The Guardian - Film

But I need to make time for me too.

The Guardian

Says Faxon: "You need to make time for those moments.

The Guardian - Film

It depends if you want to make time for it.

The Guardian

Sex: "Yes, you are busy, but if you try to make time for intimacy, you'll soon find you don't need to try to make time for it".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But he was plainly going out of his way to make time for Ryan.

The New Yorker

We both have always found a way to make time for the kids.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "to make time for", be specific about the activity or person you are dedicating time to. This adds clarity and purpose to your statement.

Common error

Avoid saying you'll "make time for" something without creating a concrete plan for how and when you'll do it. Vague promises often lead to disappointment and unfulfilled commitments.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to make time for" functions as a prepositional phrase that often introduces a purpose or intention. Ludwig AI shows it expresses the commitment to allocate a portion of one's schedule to a specific activity or person.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to make time for" is a common and grammatically correct way to express the intention to allocate time for a specific purpose or person. Ludwig AI confirms its wide usage across various contexts, from news and media to personal advice. While alternatives like "allocate time for" or "set aside time for" exist, "to make time for" remains a versatile and accessible choice. Remember to accompany the intention with a concrete plan to avoid overcommitment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

allocate time for

Focuses more on the formal distribution of time.

set aside time for

Emphasizes reserving time specifically for a particular activity.

find time for

Suggests discovering or creating opportunities within a busy schedule.

schedule time for

Highlights the act of formally planning when something will occur.

make room for

Implies creating space in one's schedule, often by removing something else.

prioritize time for

Emphasizes the importance of an activity, making it a high-priority item.

dedicate time to

Implies committing time and effort towards a specific goal.

carve out time for

Suggests painstakingly creating time in a busy schedule.

free up time for

Focuses on releasing time by completing or delegating other tasks.

arrange time for

Highlights the act of organizing a specific period for an activity.

FAQs

How can I use "to make time for" in a sentence?

You can use "to make time for" when you want to emphasize the act of dedicating or allocating time for a specific activity or person. For example, "I need to make time for exercise this week."

What are some alternatives to "to make time for"?

Alternatives include "allocate time for", "set aside time for", or "find time for", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "make time for" or "find time for"?

"Make time for" implies actively creating space in your schedule, while "find time for" suggests discovering time that already exists. The better choice depends on whether you are creating or discovering the time.

What's the difference between "to make time for" and "to have time for"?

"To make time for" suggests actively creating time in your schedule for something. "To have time for", on the other hand, simply indicates whether you already possess the available time without needing to create it.