Time expressions

by | 20 Nov 2020 | General English

Time is of the essence – describes when there is not a lot of time.

 

 

Time is of the essence, we need to get a move on.

Remember time is of the essence; you must not let the paint dry.

As time is of the essence, I think we should start the process now, there will be plenty of time for rest later.

 

We have time to kill – there is a spare time and no urgency.

 

 

Our flight does not leave until 8pm and it is only 1pm now. We have so much time to kill!

You look like you have time to kill, can you do me a favour please?

They had time to kill so they visited the island.

 

For the time being – meaning at this moment or for now.

 

 

For the time being, I am not looking for a job.

They decided for the time being to wait and see what happens.

Let’s hope for the time being that the house will not fall down. 

 

It’s only a matter of time – describes inevitability; it is predicted that something is going to eventually happen.

 

 

The storm is coming, it is only a matter of time!

It is only a matter of time until we will all be told that we have no job anymore!

If you keep shouting, it is only a matter of time when your wife will want to leave you!

 

Just in time – when something happens is the allocated or expected time but was or is very close to being late.

 

 

The flight leaves at 1700 and I got on board at 1658. I arrived just in time!

Just in time again. I don’t know how you do it!

The army were saying that they diffused the bomb just in time. Thirty more seconds and it would have gone off (exploded)!

 

Time to + infinitive – the moment is ready for an activity to happen

 

 

The green light went on and it was time to jump.

Come on you lot, it is time to go!

When we hear the alarm, it is time to start running!

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