Collocations for Talking About Time and Dates

When we talk about time and dates in English, using the right collocations can make your speech and writing sound more natural.

Collocations are pairs or groups of words that often go together.

For example, we say “spend time” rather than “use time” in most contexts.

Learning these word combinations will help you communicate more fluently and effectively.

Let’s explore some common collocations for talking about time and dates, with explanations and examples to make them easy to understand.

1. Collocations with “Time”

Spend Time

This collocation is used to talk about how you use your time, especially for activities.

Example: I like to spend time with my family on weekends.

Save Time

You use this phrase when you do something efficiently and avoid wasting time.

Example: Taking the shortcut will save time.

Waste Time

This refers to using time in an unproductive way.

Example: Don’t waste time watching too much TV.

Take Your Time

This means to do something slowly and carefully without rushing.

Example: Take your time with the project; there’s no deadline.

Run Out of Time

This collocation is used when you have no more time left to complete something.

Example: We ran out of time during the exam.

Have Time

This refers to being free to do something.

Example: Do you have time to meet this afternoon?

Make Time

This means to arrange your schedule to include a specific activity.

Example: I need to make time for exercise every day.

Kill Time

You use this when you do something to pass the time while waiting for something else.

Example: I killed time by reading a book while waiting for the bus.

Time Flies

This expression means that time passes very quickly.

Example: Time flies when you’re having fun.

On Time

This means arriving or doing something at the correct time.

Example: The train arrived on time.

In Time

This phrase means you do something before it is too late.

Example: We arrived just in time to see the beginning of the movie.

2. Collocations with “Dates”

Set a Date

This means to decide on a specific day for an event.

Example: We’ve set a date for our wedding.

Save the Date

This is used to inform someone to keep a specific date free for an event.

Example: Save the date for our anniversary party next month.

Go on a Date

This means to spend time with someone romantically.

Example: They went on a date to a nice Italian restaurant.

Backdate

This means to assign a date to something earlier than when it was actually done.

Example: We need to backdate the report to match the project timeline.

Miss a Date

This refers to failing to meet a scheduled appointment or occasion.

Example: He missed the date for submitting his application.

Make a Date

This means to agree on a time and place to meet someone.

Example: Let’s make a date to discuss the project.

3. Collocations with “Days”

Spend the Day

This is used when describing how you pass your time on a specific day.

Example: We spent the day at the beach.

Take the Day Off

This means to not work or attend school for a day.

Example: I’m taking the day off to relax.

Busy Day

This refers to a day filled with many activities or responsibilities.

Example: I’ve had such a busy day at work today.

Day Off

This is a day when you do not have to work.

Example: My day off is usually Sunday.

In Those Days

This phrase is used to talk about a past period of time.

Example: In those days, we didn’t have mobile phones.

The Other Day

This is used to refer to a recent day, but not specifically which one.

Example: I saw him at the mall the other day.

One of These Days

This means sometime in the future.

Example: One of these days, I’ll learn how to cook.

Call It a Day

This means to stop working on something for the day.

Example: Let’s call it a day and go home.

4. Collocations with “Hours”

Work Long Hours

This means to spend a lot of time working.

Example: Doctors often work long hours.

Wee Hours

This refers to the early hours of the morning, just after midnight.

Example: We stayed up talking until the wee hours.

Rush Hour

This is the busiest time of the day when people are traveling to or from work.

Example: It’s hard to drive during rush hour.

Spare Hour

This refers to having an hour of free time.

Example: Do you have a spare hour to help me with this?

At the Eleventh Hour

This means doing something at the last possible moment.

Example: They submitted the report at the eleventh hour.

5. Collocations with “Months” and “Years”

In a Month’s Time

This means one month from now.

Example: The project will be finished in a month’s time.

Month After Month

This is used to describe something happening repeatedly for several months.

Example: The team performed well month after month.

Throughout the Year

This refers to something happening continuously over a year.

Example: The shop is open throughout the year.

Leap Year

This is a year that has 366 days instead of 365.

Example: 2024 is a leap year.

Year In, Year Out

This means something happens every year without change.

Example: They go to the same beach year in, year out.

In Recent Years

This refers to the period of the last few years.

Example: In recent years, technology has advanced rapidly.

Over the Years

This phrase is used to describe something that happens gradually or repeatedly over a long period.

Example: Over the years, we’ve become close friends.

By the End of the Year

This refers to a deadline or goal set for the conclusion of the year.

Example: We aim to complete the project by the end of the year.

6. Expressions and Idioms Related to Time and Dates

Better Late Than Never

It’s better to do something late than not at all.

Example: He finally apologized, and I thought, “Better late than never.”

Time Is Money

This means time is valuable, and wasting it is like losing money.

Example: Let’s not delay; time is money.

Third Time’s a Charm

The third attempt at something is usually successful.

Example: I failed twice, but the third time’s a charm.

Once in a Blue Moon

This refers to something that happens very rarely.

Example: We only see them once in a blue moon.

Out of Date

This means something is old-fashioned or no longer valid.

Example: That software is out of date.

Up to Date

This means something is current and modern.

Example: Make sure your records are up to date.

Against the Clock

This phrase means working very quickly to finish something before a deadline.

Example: We’re racing against the clock to complete the project.

Conclusion

Understanding and using collocations for time and dates can make your English sound more natural and fluent.

Practice these phrases regularly in your conversations and writing.

With time and effort, you’ll master them and feel more confident when talking about schedules, deadlines, and past events.

Keep learning, and remember, time spent improving your English is never wasted!