Verbs with Time
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"Time" combines with many different verbs in English — each creating a distinct meaning. These are fixed collocations: the verb choice changes everything. Mastering them is essential for natural, fluent communication in any register, including clinical settings.
i
Verb + Time
waste time
To use time on something unproductive or unimportant.
"I waste a lot of time scrolling through my phone instead of reviewing my notes."
ii
Verb + Time
save time
To do something more efficiently, using less time than expected.
"Using a pre-filled referral template saves time during busy clinic hours."
iii
Verb + Time
spend time (doing)
To use time on a specific activity. Always followed by a gerund (-ing) when an activity is mentioned.
"She spent three hours reviewing the patient's imaging results."
iv
Verb + Time
take time · take up time
"Take time" = require a certain amount of time, or make time deliberately. "Take up time" = occupy someone's time, often excessively.
"It takes time to build rapport with patients." / "Admin tasks take up too much of a physician's time."
v
Verb + Time
kill time
To do something trivial while waiting; to pass time without purpose.
"I had an hour to kill before my next patient, so I read a journal article."
vi
Verb + Time
have time · spare time
"Have time" = to be available. "Spare time" = free time outside professional commitments.
"Do you have time for a follow-up call?" / "In my spare time, I read about clinical trials."
vii
Verb + Time
make up for lost time
To work harder or faster to compensate for time previously lost or wasted.
"After a period of sick leave, she worked intensively to make up for lost time."
viii
Verb + Time
run out of time
To have no more time available; to reach a deadline with work unfinished.
"We ran out of time during the presentation and had to skip the Q&A."
ix
Verb + Time
give someone a hard time
To criticise, pressure or treat someone harshly; to make things unnecessarily difficult.
"The attending gave me a hard time about my documentation during rounds."
Prepositional Phrases
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Many fixed expressions in English require a specific preposition before or after "time." These are collocations — combinations that native speakers use instinctively. Learning them as chunks, not word by word, is the key to accuracy.
i
Preposition
on time
Punctual; exactly at the scheduled moment — not early, not late.
"The surgery started on time, which is unusual for a Monday morning."
ii
Preposition
before my time · behind the times
"Before my time" = something that happened before you were involved or born. "Behind the times" = old-fashioned, not keeping up with current developments.
"That surgical technique was before my time." / "His prescribing approach is a bit behind the times."
iii
Preposition
by the time
Used to indicate that one event is (or was) complete before another happens. Often pairs with the perfect aspect.
"By the time the results came back, the patient had already been discharged."
iv
Preposition
at times · from time to time
Both mean "occasionally." "At times" can suggest unpredictable or slightly negative occurrence. "From time to time" is more neutral and implies gentle recurrence.
"At times, communicating a diagnosis in a second language is challenging." / "We hold MDT meetings from time to time."
v
Preposition
in time (for) · in no time
"In time for" = not too late; before the deadline. "In no time" = very quickly, sooner than expected.
"We arrived in time for the morning briefing." / "The results came back in no time."
Idiomatic Expressions
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These are expressions where "time" carries a figurative meaning. You cannot decode them word by word — they must be learned as complete units. They are common in informal and semi-formal English, including in medical team conversations and patient communication.
i
Idiom
Time's up
The allowed period of time has ended. Used in exams, procedures, or any time-limited context.
"Time's up — please hand in your answer sheet." / In clinical context: "Time's up on the resuscitation attempt."
ii
Idiom
short of time · short on time
Not having enough time available; pressed for time. Both forms are equally natural.
"I'm a bit short of time today — can we keep this consultation brief?"
iii
Idiom
time on my hands
Having more free time than one knows what to do with — often after a life change such as retirement.
"Since retiring, she has had a lot of time on her hands."
iv
Idiom
for the time being
Temporarily; for now — with the implicit understanding that the situation will change. Very common in professional and clinical communication.
"For the time being, we'll continue the current treatment and reassess next week."
v
Idiom
a matter of time
Something that will inevitably happen — the only uncertainty is when. Carries a sense of certainty without urgency.
"It's only a matter of time before minimally invasive surgery becomes the standard of care."
vi
Idiom
with time to spare
Finishing earlier than necessary; completing something ahead of the deadline.
"She submitted the abstract with time to spare."
vii
Idiom
time-consuming
Requiring a large amount of time to complete. Used as a compound adjective before or after a noun.
"Completing referral paperwork is incredibly time-consuming."
viii
Idiom
it's about time
Used to express that something should have happened sooner — conveys mild impatience or relieved satisfaction.
"It's about time hospitals invested properly in digital patient records."
ix
Idiom
me time · the whole time
"Me time" = time dedicated exclusively to oneself. "The whole time" = throughout the entire duration; all along.
"Physicians need to protect their me time to avoid burnout." / "He was checking his phone the whole time."