Welcome to your next English lesson! 🌟 Do you ever struggle to find the right words when talking about time in English? Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered!
In this lesson, you’ll learn some everyday English expressions about time that native speakers use all the time. These phrases will make your English sound more fluent, natural, and fun! Whether you want to describe a great experience or politely thank someone, these expressions will come in handy.
So, are you ready to improve your English and have a “whale of a time”? Let’s dive in!
Everyday English Expressions About Time
1. Expressions and Their Meanings
Here are some common English expressions about time. Each expression is explained with its meaning, an example sentence, and tips for usage:
1. Catch someone at a bad time
- Meaning: To try to talk to someone when they’re busy or upset.
- Example: I’m sorry. You look like you’re about to cry. Did I catch you at a bad time?
Tip: Use this phrase when you feel like you’ve interrupted someone or they seem distracted.
2. I/we had a lovely time
- Meaning: A polite way to thank someone for hosting or organizing an event.
- Example: Goodbye, Mr. and Mrs. Pitt. We had a lovely time.
Tip: Perfect for formal or polite conversations when leaving a gathering.
3. How time flies
- Meaning: Used to express how quickly time seems to pass.
- Example: It feels like yesterday that Mandy graduated from kindergarten. My, how time flies!
Tip: Use this when reflecting on the past or how fast events are happening.
4. High time
- Meaning: The right or appropriate time to do something.
- Example: It’s high time we cleaned the garage.
Tip: Use this when it’s overdue to take action on something important.
5. Time after time
- Meaning: To do something repeatedly.
- Example: Time after time, Tom was late for school.
Tip: Use this to emphasize repetition, especially in storytelling.
6. Too much time on my hands
- Meaning: To have too much free time and not enough to do.
- Example: Joe watches TV all day because he has too much time on his hands.
Tip: This phrase often suggests boredom or wasting time.
7. A whale of a time
- Meaning: To have a lot of fun.
- Example: We had a whale of a time at your barbecue.
Tip: Great for casual or fun situations when describing enjoyable experiences.
2. Practice Activities
Match each expression to its meaning:
- Catch someone at a bad time
- A. Having too much free time.
- B. Interrupting someone when they’re busy.
- C. Having a lot of fun.
- How time flies
- A. Time is passing quickly.
- B. Repeating something.
- C. The right time to do something.
- Too much time on my hands
- A. Being busy.
- B. Having too much free time.
- C. Saying thank you.
Know someone who would love to learn these phrases? Share this lesson with your friends and help them improve their English too! 🗣️✨
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