save time
يوفر الوقت
Use `save time` whenever a shortcut or tool makes a task finish faster than expected.
In 15 Seconds
- Doing something faster to have more free time later.
- Using a shortcut or a better tool for efficiency.
- Treating time like a valuable resource you shouldn't waste.
Meaning
This phrase is used when you find a faster way to do something. It means you are avoiding wasting minutes or hours so you can use them for something else.
Key Examples
3 of 6Talking about a new kitchen gadget
This air fryer really saves time when I'm making dinner.
This air fryer really saves time when I'm making dinner.
In a professional meeting
To save time, let's skip the introductions and start the presentation.
To save time, let's skip the introductions and start the presentation.
Texting a friend about a meeting spot
Let's meet at the station to save time.
Let's meet at the station to save time.
Cultural Background
The phrase reflects the Western 'linear' view of time as a limited resource. Since the Industrial Revolution, efficiency has been a core cultural value, leading to the popularization of 'time-saving' devices. In modern tech culture, 'saving time' is the primary goal of almost every new app or service.
The 'You' Factor
Adding 'you' after 'save' (e.g., 'This will save you time') makes the benefit feel much more personal and helpful in conversation.
Don't say 'Save My Time'
Avoid saying 'You are saving my time.' It sounds a bit aggressive. Instead, say 'Thanks for saving me some time!'
In 15 Seconds
- Doing something faster to have more free time later.
- Using a shortcut or a better tool for efficiency.
- Treating time like a valuable resource you shouldn't waste.
What It Means
To save time is like finding extra money in your pocket. You find a shortcut or a better method. This lets you finish a task faster than usual. It is not about stopping time. It is about being efficient. Think of it as protecting your schedule from being eaten by boring tasks.
How To Use It
You use it as a verb phrase. You can say you want to save time. You can also say something specific saves you time. It works in almost any sentence structure. Use it when talking about technology, travel, or cooking. If a new app makes your life easier, it saves time. If you take the highway instead of the side streets, you save time.
When To Use It
Use this when you are at work and find a shortcut. Use it when you are talking to friends about a great life hack. It is perfect for reviews of products. "This coffee machine really saves time in the morning!" It is great for planning trips too. If you are texting a friend to meet up, you might suggest a closer spot to save time for both of you.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it if you are talking about money, even though we use the word save. You save money, but you save time. They are different buckets. Also, do not use it for people. You do not save a person's time unless you are helping them with a task. If you just stop talking to them, that is not really saving time. It is just being brief. Avoid it in very tragic situations where time is not the main concern.
Cultural Background
In English-speaking cultures, especially in the US and UK, time is seen as a currency. We say "time is money." Because of this, saving time is considered a huge win. People love productivity hacks. We are obsessed with getting things done faster. Being a person who saves time is often seen as being smart or organized. It is a very positive thing to say about a tool or a person.
Common Variations
You will often hear time-saver. This is a noun for a thing that helps you. You might also hear cut down on time. Another one is make better use of time. If you are really fast, you might save a ton of time. Sometimes people say shave off some time when they mean saving just a few minutes.
Usage Notes
This phrase is incredibly versatile and carries no social risk. It is neutral enough for a business report but common enough for a casual chat over coffee.
The 'You' Factor
Adding 'you' after 'save' (e.g., 'This will save you time') makes the benefit feel much more personal and helpful in conversation.
Don't say 'Save My Time'
Avoid saying 'You are saving my time.' It sounds a bit aggressive. Instead, say 'Thanks for saving me some time!'
Time is Money
In the US, people are obsessed with 'time-savers.' If you describe your product as a 'time-saver,' it is a huge selling point!
Examples
6This air fryer really saves time when I'm making dinner.
This air fryer really saves time when I'm making dinner.
Focuses on the efficiency of a tool.
To save time, let's skip the introductions and start the presentation.
To save time, let's skip the introductions and start the presentation.
Used to move a process along faster.
Let's meet at the station to save time.
Let's meet at the station to save time.
Suggesting a logical shortcut for both people.
I bought a robot vacuum to save time, but now I just spend that time watching it work.
I bought a robot vacuum to save time, but now I just spend that time watching it work.
Irony about how we use the time we save.
Using a template for your essay will save you a lot of time.
Using a template for your essay will save you a lot of time.
Adding 'you' makes the benefit personal.
I wish I could find a way to save time on my commute.
I wish I could find a way to save time on my commute.
Expressing a desire for more freedom.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct word to complete the phrase about efficiency.
Taking the highway will ___ time because there is no traffic.
In English, we 'save' time when we find a faster way to do something.
Complete the sentence with the most natural sounding phrase.
I use a grocery delivery app to ___ on the weekends.
Using a service to avoid a chore is a classic way to 'save time'.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Save Time'
Talking to family about chores.
Save time by ordering pizza.
Standard daily use.
This app saves time.
Business reports or speeches.
The new process will save significant time.
When to say 'Save Time'
Cooking
Using pre-cut veggies.
Travel
Taking a direct flight.
Work
Using a keyboard shortcut.
Shopping
Buying everything in one store.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it is perfectly fine. You might say, To save time, I have attached the documents below.
No, they are opposites. Spend time is just using time, while save time is about using less of it than expected.
It is a noun for a thing or person that helps you work faster. For example, A dishwasher is a great time-saver.
It's better to say save me time. Saying save my time can sometimes sound like you are being protective or annoyed.
No. On time means being punctual. Save time means being efficient.
Not at all. It is a standard English collocation used by everyone from CEOs to children.
Yes! If you find a faster way to knit a sweater, you are saving time on your hobby.
The most common opposite is waste time. For example, Stop wasting time on your phone!
You can combine them! This new car saves me time and money.
Usually, we don't use 'the'. We just say save time or save some time.
Related Phrases
Cut corners
To do something fast by skipping steps (often negative).
Kill two birds with one stone
To accomplish two things at the same time.
Make time
To clear your schedule to do something important.
Time-saving
An adjective used to describe efficient tools or methods.
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