Time Expressions

Time Expressions

Hello, English learners! Have you ever come across English phrases like “in no time,” “from time to time,” or “every now and then” and wondered what on earth they really mean? Time expressions like these are widespread in everyday English — native speakers use them all the time (pun intended!). In this lesson, we’ll explore 20 useful time expressions that will help you sound more natural and fluent when you speak or write in English. You’ll learn what each one means and see plenty of examples to show how they’re used in real life.

So, take your time (another great expression!) and read on — by the end of this lesson, you’ll be able to use all of these phrases confidently in your own conversations.

A while back 

Meaning: at some time in the past.

• The dentist fixed my bad tooth a while back, and now it’s fallen off.  
• The problems started a while back when Stuart met his ex-wife at a friend’s party.

A while ago

Meaning: not long ago, recently.

• I’ve heard Sean had a big argument with his sister a while ago.  
• Lorna was worried because the cheque she had deposited a while ago wasn’t registered in her bank account.

Time expressions

About time

Meaning: use this phrase when you think that something should have happened earlier.

• It’s about time you tidied up your room!
• Don’t you think it’s about time we let our hair down and have some fun?

Ahead of time

Meaning: in advance.

• I finished the project a week ahead of time.
• Martha will prepare food for the party ahead of time and keep it in the freezer.

 

All along 

Meaning: all the time, from the beginning.

• I’ve been telling you all along to stop smoking.
• The police knew all along that the robbers hadn’t left the country.

At all times

Meaning: always.

• Psychiatrists must maintain confidentiality at all times.
• When you go abroad, keep your passport with you at all times.

At times

Meaning: sometimes.

• Last winter, it was very cold at times.
• Miriam is a nice girl; she can be moody at times, though. 

Every now and then 

Meaning: occasionally.

• Although he quit smoking a long time ago, Mark enjoys smoking cigars every now and then.
• Sarah sees her ex-husband for coffee and a chat now and then. 

From time to time

Meaning: sometimes, but not regularly.

• I’m dieting, but I have a cake from time to time.
• Fiona goes to the cinema from time to time when there’s a good film on.

Time expressions

Every so often 

Meaning: sometimes.

• Cathy used to visit her grandparents every so often while they were still alive.
• Every so often I like to go hiking in the forest.

(Every) once in a while

Meaning: occasionally, not too often.

• I still meet up with my ex-colleagues every once in a while.
• My husband and I enjoy eating out once in a while.

From now on 

Meaning: starting now and continuing in the future.

• I want to make it clear that from now on I won’t tolerate students being late.
• From now on, I’m skipping dinner until I lose weight.

Have all the time in the world

Meaning: to have lots of time.

• We don’t need to hurry. We have all the time in the world.
• Mum and Dad won’t be back soon. We have all the time in the world to clean the house after the party.

In no time

Meaning: very quickly.

• As soon as we get out of the traffic jam, we’ll be home in no time.
• Peter was impatient to see his presents, so he ate his dinner in no time.

It’s a matter of time

Meaning: we can expect something to happen soon.

• Look at those clouds. It’s only a matter of time before the storm begins.
• Grandpa is very sick. I’m afraid it’s only a matter of time.

Time expressions

Once and for all

Meaning: completely and permanently.

• You should stop smoking once and for all.
• At the end of his life, he settled in a small mountain village once and for all.

Run out of time

Meaning: not much time left to do something.

• I know it’s risky to change the project now, but we’re running out of time.
• Sorry, I’ll stop you there. We’re running out of time.

For good

Meaning: forever.

• After they went bankrupt, the Johnsons closed their shop for good.
• Tara decided to leave the small town she grew up in for good and move to a big city.

In the old days

Meaning: in the past.

• Food used to be healthier in the old days.
• In the old days, you could get a coffee for a shilling.

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