Lesson 5A · New English File Advanced Vocabulary List

the quantity that is measured in seconds, minutes, hours, etc. using a device like clock

"Time moves quickly."

"We should manage our time wisely if we want to succeed."

to need a significant amount of time to be able to happen, be completed, or achieved

"Learning a language takes time."

"Learning a new language takes time and patience so do not expect to become fluent quickly."

to enjoy an experience as much as one can, due to the lack of previous opportunity

"We worked all weekend to make up for lost time."

"After being sick for a week he worked all weekend to make up for lost time on the project."

to make things difficult for a person on purpose

"They gave him a hard time."

"The teacher gave the students a hard time when they failed to submit their assignments on time."

to have enough free time available to do something

"Do you have time?"

"I would love to help you move, but unfortunately, I don't have the time this weekend."

to reach the point when there is no more time available to complete a task or achieve a goal

"We ran out of time."

"Unfortunately, we ran out of time and could not finish the project before the deadline."

to try to delay the occurrence of something so that one can prevent it from happening or have more time to properly prepare for it

"He was just playing for time during the interview."

"The witness was playing for time because he did not want to give an answer that might hurt his friend."

before the deadline or scheduled time, with an excess amount of time available

"She finished the exam with time to spare."

"We arrived at the airport with time to spare so we had a coffee before boarding the plane."

used to indicate that the time given for a task or activity has ended and that no more time is available to complete it

"Time is up now."

"The bell rang loudly, signaling that time is up for the exam and all papers must be handed in."

to not have enough of something

"We are short of milk for the recipe."

"We are short of milk so could you please buy some more when you go to the shop."

to not be busy with anything

"Now that I am retired, I have time on my hands."

"Since he retired he has too much time on his hands and does not know what to do with it."

for a limited period, usually until a certain condition changes

"Stay here for the time being."

"For the time being stay here and do not go anywhere until I come back to get you."

to certainly happen at some point in the future

"It is only a matter of time."

"With so many mistakes in the company, it was just a matter of time before the business finally collapsed."

a period of time that an individual sets aside to focus on their own personal enjoyment, relaxation, and well-being, separate from their work or other responsibilities

"Every mother needs some me time."

"After looking after the children all day she finally had some me time to read her book."

used to indicate that something should have happened or been done earlier

"It is high time now."

"It is about time you started taking your studies seriously if you want to pass your final exams."

(of an activity, task, or process) taking up a significant amount of time, and therefore requiring a considerable amount of effort or patience

"The task is time-consuming."

"The time consuming process of applying for a visa required many documents and several visits to the government office."

to use something without care or more than needed

"Do not waste your time and energy."

"Do not waste your time worrying about things that you cannot change because it will not help."

to keep something from being used or wasted, particularly so that it can be used or enjoyed in the right time in the future

"Save some cake."

"It is prudent to save a portion of your income for unexpected emergencies."

to pass time in a particular manner or in a certain place

"Spend your time wisely."

"She decided to spend her vacation exploring ancient ruins and immersing herself in the local culture."

to give someone something that one has enough of

"Can you spare a few dollars please?"

"The kind soldier spared the prisoner's life because he could not bring himself to kill an unarmed man."

to occupy a particular amount of space or time

"The book will take up space."

"This large sofa will take up too much space in our small living room, so we need a smaller one."

expressing the exact time when something happens

"The class starts at nine."

"The event is scheduled to commence promptly at eight o'clock this evening."

at an earlier point in time

"Brush your teeth before you sleep."

"Brush your teeth before you go to sleep to prevent cavities and maintain good oral hygiene."

at a later stage or point in time than expected or planned

"He is behind schedule."

"The project is significantly behind schedule due to unforeseen logistical complications."

used to refer to moving past or alongside something or someone

"She walked by."

"I go to work by bus every morning because it is cheaper than driving and less stressful."

used for showing the time when something begins to happen or exist

"It starts from Monday."

"The sale will commence from the first day of December and continue throughout the month."

used to state how long it will be until something happens

"I will call in an hour."

"She will arrive in approximately two weeks, just in time for the holidays."

at or to a certain distance away in physical space

"Move off the road."

"Please step off the busy road and wait on the sidewalk until the traffic has completely cleared."

used to show a day or date

"The party is on Saturday."

"We have a crucial exam scheduled on the third Monday of next month."

used to say where someone or something goes

"I go to school every day."

"She gave the gift to her mother who was very happy and grateful for it."

including every part, member, etc.

"I ate the whole pizza."

"She ate the whole pizza by herself because she was starving after skipping lunch and working through her break at the office."