we need more time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'we need more time' is a correct and usable sentence in written English.
It can be used when you are trying to express the need for a longer period of time to complete something. For example, "We need more time to finish the project. Can we extend the deadline?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We need more time.

Independent

"We need more time than this".

The New Yorker

"We need more time to get places".

The New York Times

I think we need more time.

The New Yorker

Not when we need more time for state-mandated testing.

The New York Times

We need more time to do this carefully and properly".

The New York Times

We need more time to be able to keep up.

The Guardian

We need more time than our development partners.

The Guardian

"We need more time to understand these mysterious areas".

The New Yorker

But we need more time to assess other factors.

The New York Times

"We believe a consensus candidacy is taking shape, although we need more time.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we need more time" to express the need for additional time. Consider alternatives like "we require additional time" in more formal contexts.

Common error

Avoid simply stating "we need more time" without explaining why or how much more time is required. Providing context enhances the likelihood of your request being approved.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we need more time" functions as a statement of requirement or request. It is used to express that the current time allocation is insufficient to complete a task, investigation, or achieve a desired outcome. Ludwig confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we need more time" is a common and grammatically correct expression indicating the necessity for additional time. Ludwig AI confirms this. It's versatile, appearing in various contexts from news reports to scientific publications, though predominantly in news and media. While generally neutral in tone, more formal alternatives like "we require additional time" exist. When using the phrase, ensure you provide context for the request and, if possible, a proposed timeframe. This demonstrates planning and enhances the likelihood of approval.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we require additional time

Replaces "need" with the more formal "require" and "more" with "additional", making it slightly more formal.

more time is required

Uses a passive voice to state that additional time is necessary, removing the personal pronoun.

we need a time extension

Rephrases the request as needing a "time extension" which is more business-like.

we need a longer timeframe

Replaces "time" with "timeframe", suggesting a defined period is necessary.

we could use some more time

Employs a less direct approach, suggesting the desire for more time rather than stating it as a necessity.

we need to prolong the duration

Uses more formal language to express the necessity of lengthening the period.

we need to extend the deadline

Focuses on the action of extending the deadline, implying that more time is needed.

give us more time

A more direct and informal request for additional time.

an extension would be helpful

Shifts the focus to requesting an extension, indirectly implying the need for more time.

we need to reschedule

Suggests the need to move the schedule which indirectly implies more time is needed.

FAQs

How can I politely ask for "we need more time"?

You can politely ask for more time by framing it with a reason. For example, "We need more time to ensure the quality of the deliverable" or "We require additional time due to unforeseen circumstances".

What's a more formal way to say "we need more time"?

A more formal alternative is "we require additional time". This phrasing is suitable for professional settings and formal correspondence.

How do I explain why "we need more time" without sounding unprepared?

Focus on unexpected challenges or opportunities for improvement. For instance, "We need more time to address an unforeseen technical challenge" or "we could use some more time to incorporate valuable feedback".

Is it better to ask for "we need more time" or to propose a new deadline?

Proposing a new deadline demonstrates proactivity and consideration. Instead of just saying "we need more time", try "We need more time and propose extending the deadline to [new date] to ensure thoroughness."