Time and dates are a part of our daily conversations, from talking about routines and deadlines to discussing past events and future plans.
Using the right collocations for time and dates helps you speak and write English more naturally and fluently.
These common word combinations are especially useful for students, professionals, and English learners who want to sound confident and accurate.
In this post, you will learn essential collocations related to time and dates that are widely used in everyday English, exams, and professional communication.
This topic is part of our English Collocations for English learners.
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!
FAQs – Collocations for Time and Dates
1. What are collocations for time and dates?
Collocations for time and dates are common word combinations like “spend time,” “save time,” and “set a date” that are used naturally in everyday English conversations.
2. Why are time and date collocations important?
They are important because they:
- Help you speak naturally
- Improve fluency and accuracy
- Make communication clearer
- Are useful in daily life, exams, and work
3. Who should learn these collocations?
These collocations are useful for:
- ESL learners
- School students
- Professionals
- Competitive exam aspirants
4. What are common collocations with “time”?
Examples include:
- Spend time
- Save time
- Waste time
- Make time
- Run out of time
5. What does “spend time” mean?
It means to use your time doing a particular activity.
6. What does “run out of time” mean?
It means you no longer have enough time to complete something.
7. What is the difference between “on time” and “in time”?
- On time = at the correct scheduled time
- In time = before it is too late
8. What are collocations with “date”?
Examples include:
- Set a date
- Make a date
- Go on a date
- Save the date
- Miss a date
9. What are collocations with “day”?
Examples include:
- Spend the day
- Take the day off
- Busy day
- Call it a day
- The other day
10. What are collocations with “hour”?
Examples include:
- Work long hours
- Rush hour
- Spare hour
- Wee hours
- At the eleventh hour
11. What are collocations with months and years?
Examples include:
- In a month’s time
- Month after month
- Over the years
- In recent years
- By the end of the year
12. What does “call it a day” mean?
It means to stop working or finish an activity for the day.
13. What does “time flies” mean?
It means time passes very quickly.
14. What mistakes should learners avoid?
Avoid:
- Using incorrect word combinations
- Translating directly from your language
- Confusing similar phrases like “on time” and “in time”
15. How can I learn these collocations effectively?
You can:
- Practice daily
- Use them in real conversations
- Read and listen regularly
- Revise frequently
16. Can these collocations help in exams and professional communication?
Yes, they:
- Improve clarity
- Enhance fluency
- Make answers sound natural
- Boost confidence
17. What is the overall benefit of learning time and date collocations?
The overall benefit is:
You can talk about schedules, deadlines, and events clearly, naturally, and confidently in English.
