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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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Nothing but time

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "nothing but time" is correct and usable in written English
It is generally used to mean "all we have is time" and implies that there is no other remedy or solution to a given problem. For example, "We have nothing but time to solve this issue, so let's take our time and get it right."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Rabalais said, "She has nothing but time".

News & Media

The New Yorker

Right now I have nothing but time.

News & Media

The New York Times

You ain't got nothing but time!

Prison is nothing but time.

Now there is nothing but time.

At bottom, they are nothing but time with your fellows.

And in it he saw our affliction: Nothing but time.

News & Media

The New Yorker

Through it all, he had nothing but time to watch what was going on around him.

Nothing but time on your hands!" No one seemed to catch the double meaning.

In other words, what do you do when life gives you nothing but time and coconuts?

News & Media

The New York Times

"Usually we share coffee or drinks, but here we shared nothing but time".

News & Media

The New Yorker
Show more...

Expert writing Tips

✓ Best practice

Use "nothing but time" to emphasize a lack of other resources or opportunities, highlighting that time is the only factor available for a situation.

⚠ Common error

Avoid using "nothing but time" when you actually have other resources available. The phrase should only be used when time is the sole or primary factor at play.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Linguistic Context

The phrase "nothing but time" functions as a noun phrase emphasizing the abundance or sole availability of time as a resource or factor. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

✓ Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

⚠ Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "nothing but time" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression that emphasizes the abundance or sole availability of time in a given situation. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts and is frequently found in news and media, academia, and other sources. When using this phrase, make sure that time is indeed the primary or only available resource to avoid misinterpretation. Consider alternatives like "all the time in the world" or "plenty of time" for nuanced expressions.

FAQs

How can I use "nothing but time" in a sentence?

Use "nothing but time" to convey that time is the only available resource or factor in a situation. For example: "They had "nothing but time" to prepare for the exam."

What is an alternative to saying "nothing but time"?

Alternatives include phrases like "all the time in the world", "plenty of time", or "time to spare", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "nothing but time"?

Use "nothing but time" when you want to emphasize that time is the only resource or factor at play. It's suitable when other resources are limited or unavailable.

Is "nothing but time" formal or informal?

The phrase "nothing but time" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Its suitability depends more on the overall tone and context of the writing.

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Source & Trust

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Authority and reliability

4.6/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: