time
A1Universal (used in all registers from formal to informal)
Definition
Meaning
The indefinite continued progress of existence and events in the past, present, and future regarded as a whole; a point or period in this progress.
A measured or measurable period; an occasion or instance; the appropriate moment; the rhythm or tempo of music; the system of measuring duration; the experience of duration; a period of work or service; a prison sentence.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
One of the most polysemous words in English. Its meaning is highly context-dependent, shifting between abstract concept, countable instance, and uncountable dimension. It functions as a noun, verb, and in compounds.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minor spelling in compounds (e.g., 'timetable' vs. 'schedule'). 'A quarter of' an hour is more common in UK English ('quarter past ten'), while 'a quarter after' is more common in US English. 'On time' is universal; 'in good time' is more British.
Connotations
Similar core connotations. 'Time' in the sense of a prison sentence is slightly more common in US media. The phrase 'to do time' is equally understood.
Frequency
Extremely high frequency in both varieties with no significant divergence.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
It's time to + INFIt's time for + NPIt's time + SUBJ + PAST TENSE (unreal)spend/waste/time + V-ingtake (someone) time to + INFVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Time flies”
- “In the nick of time”
- “Behind the times”
- “A race against time”
- “Third time's a charm”
- “At the same time”
- “For the time being”
- “Have the time of your life”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to deadlines, schedules, billable hours, time management, lead time, downtime.
Academic
Used in physics (spacetime), history (periodization), linguistics (tense), philosophy (temporal logic).
Everyday
Scheduling, age, duration of activities, punctuality, past/present/future reference.
Technical
In computing (processing time, real-time), music (time signature), sports (game time, lap time).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He timed his run perfectly to catch the train.
- The chef timed the eggs for three minutes.
- The race will be timed electronically.
American English
- She timed her presentation to end right at noon.
- Time your breathing with each stroke.
- The bomb was timed to explode at midnight.
adverb
British English
- (Rare as a standalone adverb; appears in compounds like 'time-consuming' or phrases like 'full-time').
American English
- (Rare as a standalone adverb; appears in compounds like 'time-sensitive' or phrases like 'part-time').
adjective
British English
- We offer time-lapse photography services.
- The project has strict time constraints.
- He's in a time-consuming job.
American English
- She's working a time-intensive job.
- The software has real-time updates.
- They attended a time-management workshop.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- What time is it?
- I have no time.
- It's time for lunch.
- See you next time!
- It took a long time to finish the work.
- I spend too much time on my phone.
- The last time I saw her was in June.
- Is it time to leave yet?
- If I had more time, I would learn a new language.
- This is the third time the system has crashed this week.
- We must make up for lost time.
- His theory was ahead of its time.
- The legislation was passed, but only after a great deal of parliamentary time had been expended.
- She timed her market entry to coincide with the economic upturn.
- The film plays with the concept of non-linear time.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a clock's hands moving: T-I-M-E = 'The Instant Movement Ever'.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME IS MONEY (spend, waste, save, invest time); TIME IS A MOVING OBJECT (time flies, time passes); TIME IS A CONTAINER (in time, within the time); TIME IS A CHANGER (time heals all wounds).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Using 'time' as a direct translation for 'раз' only when meaning 'occasion' (three times = три раза).
- Avoiding 'время' for 'weather' (time and tide ≠ погода и прилив).
- Confusing 'on time' (точно, вовремя) with 'in time' (успевать).
- Overusing 'once upon a time' for historical narratives.
Common Mistakes
- *I have a time to meet you. (Correct: I have time to meet you / I have a meeting time.)
- *What time is it? *It's seven and fifteen. (Correct: It's quarter past seven.)
- *This is the first time I see this. (Correct: This is the first time I have seen this.)
Practice
Quiz
In the sentence 'He did time for robbery,' what does 'did time' mean?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'On time' means punctual, at the scheduled time. 'In time' means with enough time to spare before a deadline or event (often 'in time for something').
Yes. Uncountable: 'Time is precious.' Countable: 'I've visited Paris three times.' (occasions) or 'We live in difficult times.' (periods/eras).
'What time is it?' is far more common in everyday spoken English. 'What is the time?' is slightly more formal but still correct.
Three main patterns: 1) It's time to go. 2) It's time for a break. 3) It's time we went. (Note the past tense verb 'went' expresses an unreal or suggested action in the present/future).
Collections
Part of a collection
Daily Routine
A1 · 50 words · Words for describing your everyday activities and schedule.
Numbers and Time
A1 · 50 words · Numbers, dates, days and expressions of time.