wasting valuable time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wasting valuable time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing situations where time is being spent inefficiently or unproductively. Example: "We need to address this issue quickly; otherwise, we will be wasting valuable time that could be spent on more important tasks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

"It's about reducing these so we're not running around wasting valuable time".

The New York Times

I realized I was wasting valuable time musing about other people's problems, so I buckled down.

The New York Times - Magazine

That "saved investigators from wasting valuable time on petitioning another judge in another district for that authority," the department said.

The New York Times

But diplomats involved in the negotiations said the failure to agree even to a preliminary accord was wasting valuable time.

The New York Times

Failing to make much headway on vouchers, and wasting valuable time denouncing the Common Core standards still supported by most states, DeVos regroups.

The Washington Post

Turf wars by ministers seeking to control the Brexit negotiations are wasting valuable time and may cost the taxpayer tens of millions of pounds in additional civil servants, a report by the respected Institute for Government claims.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

It wastes valuable time".

The New Yorker

Perhaps he should not have wasted valuable time on a trip to Japan.

The Economist

They don't want to waste valuable time with someone who may not be financially capable".

The New York Times

Waiting for the next election will waste valuable time, he said.

The New York Times

They force customers to waste valuable time tracking their own orders and struggling with complicated technology.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When criticizing someone's inefficient work habits, replace "wasting valuable time" with more constructive feedback. Try phrasing it as 'focus on these tasks first' to show a better approach.

Common error

In professional settings, avoid using "wasting valuable time" too frequently, as it can sound accusatory or negative. Instead, opt for more neutral alternatives such as 'inefficient use of resources' or 'areas for improvement in time management'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wasting valuable time" functions as a verb phrase, typically used as part of a larger clause to describe an action that is unproductive or inefficient. As Ludwig AI also highlights, it describes scenarios where time could be better allocated.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "wasting valuable time" is a common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe inefficient or unproductive use of time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's applicable across various contexts, from news and media to business and even more informal settings. While generally neutral in register, it's often used to express criticism or concern about inefficient practices. To avoid overuse, consider using alternatives like "squandering precious moments" or "frittering away time", and strive for constructive feedback rather than accusatory language in professional settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

squandering precious moments

Emphasizes the loss of irreplaceable moments, adding an emotional dimension.

frittering away time

Suggests a careless and trivial way of spending time.

killing time unproductively

Highlights the lack of purpose or accomplishment.

idling away the hours

Implies inactivity and a lack of engagement.

misusing allocated time

Focuses on the improper use of time that was designated for a specific purpose.

inefficiently using time

Highlights the lack of productivity or optimization.

not maximizing time

Emphasizes the failure to take full advantage of the available time.

letting time slip by

Conveys a sense of missed opportunity and inaction.

procrastinating excessively

Specifically refers to delaying tasks, leading to wasted time.

underutilizing available time

Highlights the failure to make the most of the time that is available.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "wasting valuable time"?

You can use alternatives like "squandering precious moments", "frittering away time", or "killing time unproductively" depending on the context.

How can I avoid "wasting valuable time" in my daily routine?

Prioritize tasks, set realistic deadlines, and minimize distractions to make the most of your time. Tools like time-blocking and the Pomodoro Technique can also be helpful.

Is it always negative to be "wasting valuable time"?

While the phrase typically carries a negative connotation, sometimes activities that might seem like "wasting valuable time", such as taking breaks or pursuing hobbies, can actually improve productivity and well-being in the long run.

What is the difference between "wasting valuable time" and "spending valuable time"?

"Wasting valuable time" implies that time is being used inefficiently or unproductively, while "spending valuable time" suggests that time is being invested in something worthwhile, even if it's leisurely or relaxing.