waste any time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "waste any time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when talking about not wanting to spend time doing something, or when talking about a need to do something quickly. For example: "I don't want to waste any time, so let's start writing the report right away."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Oklahoma didn't waste any time.

The New York Times

We didn't waste any time".

The New York Times - Sports

So I don't waste any time.

The New Yorker

He didn't waste any time.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Alabama's competitors certainly won't waste any time.

The New York Times

"I didn't waste any time," he said.

The New York Times

The victors didn't waste any time.

The Guardian

It just doesn't waste any time.

The Guardian - Music

"I didn't waste any time," she said.

The New York Times

"He doesn't waste any time," Valentine said.

The New York Times - Sports

Perry doesn't waste any time on exposition.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When emphasizing urgency, use "waste any time" to encourage immediate action. For example, "Don't "waste any time" in applying for the grant after gathering the necessary documents."

Common error

While "waste any time" is versatile, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "expedite the process" or "maximize efficiency" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "waste any time" functions primarily as a verb phrase used to express the concept of avoiding delays or unproductive use of time. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct. It commonly appears in imperative or declarative sentences to urge swift action or describe efficient behavior, such as in the example, "Don't "waste any time" — apply today."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

11%

Science

11%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "waste any time" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that emphasizes the importance of efficiency and promptness. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and its prevalence in various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While versatile, it's important to consider the formality of the setting and opt for more sophisticated alternatives in highly formal or academic writing. When urgency and efficiency are paramount, "waste any time" is an effective phrase to convey the message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lose no time

Similar in meaning, but offers a slightly more emphatic tone.

avoid delay

Highlights the avoidance of postponement and is suitable for formal contexts.

not delay

Emphasizes avoiding postponement; it's more formal and direct than the original phrase.

act promptly

Focuses on immediate action, highlighting efficiency and readiness.

not hesitate

Stresses decisiveness and a lack of doubt or reluctance.

move quickly

Emphasizes speed and swiftness in taking action.

not dawdle

Implies a lack of focus and productivity; suitable for informal contexts.

be efficient

Highlights productivity and skillful resource management.

make haste

A more formal and somewhat archaic way of saying to hurry or be quick.

skip no time

This phrasing is much less conventional, thus it's a less clear way of communicating the same concept.

FAQs

How can I use "waste any time" in a sentence?

You can use "waste any time" to express the importance of acting quickly or efficiently. For example, "We shouldn't "waste any time" in addressing this critical issue."

What does "waste any time" mean?

The phrase "waste any time" means to not spend unnecessary time on something, emphasizing the need for quick and efficient action.

What are some alternatives to "waste any time"?

Alternatives include "lose no time", "not hesitate", or "act promptly", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "waste any time"?

It's appropriate to use "waste any time" in situations where you want to emphasize the importance of not delaying or being inefficient. However, consider more formal alternatives in academic or very professional contexts.