by R. S. Karunaratne

Use of 'time' in different contexts

'Time' can be used as a countable and uncountable noun.

1. 'Time' is used to talk about a period spent doing something.

Most of the time I stayed in my hotel room.

Some people go on criticising others all the time.

How do you spend the time during holidays?

Don't waste time doing nothing.

2. 'Time' is used to say when something is going to happen.

I'll call you in two hours' time.

The building will be ready for occupation in a few months' time.

A cab will pick you up in half an hour's time.

3. 'Time' is used to define a period or point of time.

Do you remember that time when we had to depend on others?

There was a time when our cities were clean.

Why do you greet me every time you see me?

4. 'Time' is used when you want to say that something should happen.

It is time to go to bed.

Morning is the best time for studies.

It's time that the health authorities did something about dengue.

It's time you stopped annoying me.

5. 'Time' is used to talk about good or bad experiences.

Did you have a nice time at Kandy?

We had an awful time in official!

Collocation

'Time' occurs in certain verb phrases.

A: I don't have time to do all this work.

B: Then you'll have to make time.

Can you find time to edit this copy?

How you pass the time is not my business.

Children spend time playing.

Don't waste time. It's precious.

If you take the shortcut, it will save time.

Certain adjectives are frequently used with 'time.'

Did you have an enjoyable time in France?

We spent a good time in the swimming pool.

I still remember the great time spent at the university.

What a marvellous time we had!

We had a pleasant time talking to foreigners.

The children had an awful time when the classrooms were flooded.

We had a terrible time when a crocodile approached us!

7. Set phrases

She is beautiful. At the same time she maintains her figure well. (Two things are true)

It's high time we got our results. (something should happen now)

The teacher will walk into the class in no time. (very soon)

He does some odd jobs from time to time (occasionally)

Cross your t's' and dot your i's' time and again. (repeatedly)

Once upon a time there lived a king and queen... (to start a story)

8. Be familiar with certain idiomatic expressions in which 'time' occurs.

There's no time like the present.

(The present is more important than the past or the future).

It's only a matter of time.

You have to move with the times. (But some people don't!)

We arrived just in the nick of time.

There's a first time for everything.

We had a whale of a time (a very good time)

Enjoyable proverbs

Proverbs are full of fun and laughter. They also present the human wisdom in a condensed form. Be familiar with the following proverbs:

1. Fiddle while Rome burns.

Roman emperor Nero is supposed to have played the Fiddle, a musical instrument when a devastating fire broke out in Rome. It simply means he did nothing to control or extinguish the fire. In today's context it can be applied to a situation when you do not take any action in a major situation.

2. Sling mud at someone

This applies when you defame somebody using false information. Some adults do this when they do not like a particular person.

3. Flog a dead horse.

You cannot flog a dead horse to get up and run. Similarly, some people cannot be changed however much you try.

4. A fool and his money are soon parted

A fool does not know the value of money. As a result, he will squander his wealth and become a beggar.

5. Forgive and forget.

Be magnanimous to forgive the wrongs done by others. When you forgive a wrongdoer, you will find it easy to forget what he had done.

6. Fresh fields and pastures new

We all like to change our professions, hobbies or even courses of studies from time to time. We do these things because we desire change.

7. A friend in need is a friend indeed.

A true friend will always help you when you are in trouble.

8. Give someone enough rope and he will hang himself.

Foolish people never listen to advice. As a result, they will ruin themselves.

9. Give the devil his due

We never praise the devil because he symbolises evil. However, when an evil or bad person does something good be prepared to praise him!

10. A golden key opens every door.

Here 'golden key' refers to money. Rich people think that they can do anything with money.

11. Great minds think alike

Sometimes, two or more people tend to think alike and come to the same conclusions.

12. Grass is greener on the other side.

Most human beings think that there are better opportunities in other countries. They are never happy with what they possess.