useful time

USAGE SUMMARY

'useful time' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when referring to time that is spent in a productive and beneficial manner, such as time that is used towards achieving a goal or learning something new. For example: I spent my weekend wisely, using my time to improve my language skills.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I discovered him at a very useful time.

The Guardian

But Murphy's adaptation is a useful time machine.

The New Yorker

"It was a very useful time for them.

The Guardian

The interview process is a useful time to do this.

The Guardian

"This was an extremely useful time," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

"I spend all useful time in my advanced-level years making plays and novels," he writes.

The New York Times - Books

However, as the protector of the monarchy this was her most useful time.

The Economist

That means it fertilises crops at a useful time, but doesn't compete with them for light, nutrients or water.

The Guardian

There will not be a better opportunity with any other conceivable team within a useful time frame.

The New York Times

The arrest comes at a useful time for the government, which is facing war-weariness at home.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

But, far from ending their useful time on earth, they are destined for resurrection.

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing how to use "useful time", be specific about the activities or goals that make the time productive. For instance, instead of saying 'He used his useful time wisely', specify 'He used his "useful time" to prepare for the upcoming exam'.

Common error

Avoid generically stating that something is a "useful time" without explaining why. Provide context to demonstrate the benefits derived during that period. Lack of context dilutes the impact and makes the phrase less meaningful.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "useful time" is as a noun phrase, where "useful" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "time". Ludwig provides many examples in which the phrase functions as a subject, object, or part of a prepositional phrase, indicating its versatility in sentence construction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "useful time" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe periods spent productively or advantageously. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correctness and broad applicability across various contexts, with a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. While versatile, it benefits from specific context to enhance its meaning and avoid vagueness. Alternatives such as "productive period" or "valuable moments" can offer nuanced alternatives depending on the specific message you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

productive period

Focuses on the output or results achieved during the time.

valuable moments

Highlights the worth or significance of the time spent.

advantageous moment

Emphasizes the favorable circumstances of a particular time.

opportune timing

Stresses the suitability and convenience of when something occurs.

fruitful interval

Suggests that the time yields positive outcomes or benefits.

worthwhile duration

Emphasizes that the time spent has significant value or merit.

constructive hours

Highlights time used for building or creating something positive.

gainful hours

Suggests that time is used to make profit.

strategic moment

Implies that timing is used to one's advantage.

applicable timeframe

Focuses on the relevance and suitability of a time period for a specific purpose.

FAQs

How can I replace the phrase "useful time" in a sentence?

Consider alternatives like "productive period", "valuable moments", or "opportune timing" to add nuance to your writing.

Is "useful time" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "useful time" is generally appropriate for formal writing. However, in highly formal contexts, consider alternatives that convey more precision, such as "strategic moment" or "advantageous moment".

What does it mean to describe time as "useful"?

Describing time as "useful" indicates that the time is being spent productively, efficiently, or in a way that yields positive results or benefits. It implies that the time is not wasted and is contributing towards a specific goal or purpose.

Can I use "useful time" to describe past, present, and future activities?

Yes, "useful time" can be used to describe activities in the past, present, or future. For example, "Yesterday was a very "useful time" for my research". "Now is a "useful time" to do what you always wanted to do." or "Tomorrow will be a "useful time" to focus on our objectives".