Part 1: Time Collocations
Collocations are words that naturally go together. Native speakers use them without thinking!
Common Time Collocations
| Collocation | Example | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| spare time | "I like reading in my spare time." | Free time; time not spent working |
| kill time | "We played cards to kill time before the train." | Do something while waiting |
| on time | "The bus arrived on time." | Punctual; not late |
| take your time | "Take your time — there's no hurry." | Do something slowly and calmly |
| waste time | "Don't waste time arguing." | Use time in a pointless way |
| save time | "Using a dishwasher saves time." | Do something more efficiently |
More Time Collocations
| Collocation | Example |
|---|---|
| right on schedule | "The project was finished right on schedule." |
| behind schedule | "We're behind schedule as usual." |
| at the last minute | "He always arrives at the last minute." |
| in the nick of time | "They arrived in the nick of time — one minute before closing." |
| a matter of time | "It's only a matter of time before they succeed." |
Practice: Collocations
Exercise 1: Complete the collocations
1. I don't want to time scrolling on my phone. (waste/spend)
2. We still have an hour, so let's time in a café. (kill/pass)
3. Don’t rush — your time. (take/use)
4. The train arrived right time. (on/in)
5. Using a timer can time. (save/keep)
Part 2: Time Idioms
Idioms are expressions that don't mean exactly what the words say — they make your English sound natural!
Common Time Idioms:
- beat the clock – finish before a deadline "We managed to beat the clock and submit the report."
- time flies – time passes quickly "Time flies when you're having fun."
- around the clock – 24 hours without stopping "Doctors worked around the clock during the emergency."
- once in a blue moon – very rarely "He only visits once in a blue moon."
- ahead of time – earlier than expected "We finished ahead of time."
- behind the times – old-fashioned "He's a bit behind the times when it comes to technology."
Practice: Idioms
Exercise 2: Complete the idioms
1. We finished the project ahead of .
2. He only calls once in a blue .
3. We worked around the to prepare for the launch.
4. Time when you're busy.
5. They’re a little behind the with their old computers.
Part 3: Time Phrasal Verbs
Phrasal verbs are verbs + prepositions that create new meanings—perfect for talking about time!
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| run out of | Have no time left | "We're running out of time — hurry!" |
| set back | Delay something | "The storm set back the construction." |
| look back | Think about the past | "When I look back, I realise how much I've grown." |
| put off | Delay or postpone | "Don't put off your homework." |
| count down to | Wait excitedly for something | "We're counting down to the holidays." |
Usage Tips:
Run out of is extremely common before deadlines.
Put off is perfect for talking about procrastination.
Look back is used when reflecting on memories.
Practice: Phrasal Verbs
Exercise 3: Complete the phrasal verbs
1. Hurry! We're running of time.
2. Don’t off your work until tomorrow.
3. I like to back on childhood memories.
4. The rain back the event by an hour.
5. We're counting to our holiday!
⏰ Great job! You’ve mastered time vocabulary — right on time!