A1 Collocation Neutro 2 min de leitura

have time

Be available

Use 'have time' to politely check availability or express that you aren't busy right now.

Em 15 segundos

  • Used to show you are available or not busy.
  • Commonly followed by 'to' plus a verb or 'for' plus noun.
  • Do not confuse with asking for the current clock time.

Significado

This phrase means your schedule is open and you are not busy. It is like saying you have a 'space' in your day to do something or talk to someone.

Exemplos-chave

3 de 6
1

Asking a colleague for help

Do you have time to look at this report?

Do you have time to look at this report?

💼
2

Texting a friend about hanging out

I have time for a quick coffee before my gym class.

I have time for a quick coffee before my gym class.

😊
3

A romantic or emotional moment

I will always have time for you, no matter how busy I am.

I will always have time for you, no matter how busy I am.

💭
🌍

Contexto cultural

In Western culture, time is often viewed as a limited resource. Using the phrase 'have time' shows you respect that the other person's day is valuable. Interestingly, in business, saying 'I don't have time' can sometimes be a way of signaling high status or importance.

⚠️

Don't confuse with 'the' time

Saying 'Do you have the time?' (with 'the') usually means you are asking for the current hour (e.g., 3:30 PM). Leave out 'the' to ask about availability.

💡

The 'No' Sandwich

If you don't have time, be polite! Say: 'I'd love to, but I don't have time right now. Maybe later?' It softens the blow.

Em 15 segundos

  • Used to show you are available or not busy.
  • Commonly followed by 'to' plus a verb or 'for' plus noun.
  • Do not confuse with asking for the current clock time.

What It Means

Have time is all about your schedule. It means you are not busy right now. You are available to help, talk, or relax. Think of your day like a box. If the box is full, you have no time. If the box has space, you have time! It is one of the most useful phrases in English.

How To Use It

You usually use it with the word to. For example: "I have time to eat." You can also use it with for. For example: "Do you have time for a coffee?" It works in the past, too. You can say "I had time yesterday." If you are busy, just add don't. "I don't have time to talk!" (Use this if you are running from a giant bee or just late for work).

When To Use It

Use it when you want to invite someone somewhere. Use it when you are checking if a boss is busy. It is perfect for texting friends. At a restaurant, you might ask if the waiter has time to explain the menu. It is great for being polite. Asking "Do you have time?" is much nicer than just starting to talk.

When NOT To Use It

Don't use it to ask for the current clock time. If you want to know if it is 5:00 PM, ask "What time is it?" If you ask a stranger "Do you have time?", they might think you want to sit and chat for an hour! Also, don't use it if you are in a huge rush. It sounds a bit too relaxed for an emergency.

Cultural Background

In English-speaking cultures, time is like money. We 'spend' it and 'save' it. Asking if someone has time is like asking if they can spend their 'wealth' on you. It is a sign of respect for their busy life. In places like New York or London, people always say they don't have time. It is almost a fashion statement to be busy!

Common Variations

You will often hear have a minute or have a second. These mean the same thing but sound much shorter. If someone says "Do you have a sec?", they usually want a quick favor. You can also say have some time to sound even more flexible and relaxed.

Notas de uso

This phrase is neutral and works in almost any social or professional setting. Just remember that 'Do you have time?' asks for availability, while 'Do you have THE time?' asks for the clock reading.

⚠️

Don't confuse with 'the' time

Saying 'Do you have the time?' (with 'the') usually means you are asking for the current hour (e.g., 3:30 PM). Leave out 'the' to ask about availability.

💡

The 'No' Sandwich

If you don't have time, be polite! Say: 'I'd love to, but I don't have time right now. Maybe later?' It softens the blow.

💬

Busy is a Badge

In the US, saying 'I don't have time' often makes people feel important. It's a cultural quirk where being busy equals being successful.

Exemplos

6
#1 Asking a colleague for help
💼

Do you have time to look at this report?

Do you have time to look at this report?

A polite way to interrupt someone at work.

#2 Texting a friend about hanging out
😊

I have time for a quick coffee before my gym class.

I have time for a quick coffee before my gym class.

Using 'for' with a noun (coffee).

#3 A romantic or emotional moment
💭

I will always have time for you, no matter how busy I am.

I will always have time for you, no matter how busy I am.

Shows that the person is a priority.

#4 A funny excuse for being lazy
😄

I have time to nap, but I don't have time to clean the kitchen.

I have time to nap, but I don't have time to clean the kitchen.

Humorous contrast between two activities.

#5 At a doctor's office
👔

Does the doctor have time to see me today?

Does the doctor have time to see me today?

Checking professional availability.

#6 Talking to a neighbor
🤝

Sorry, I don't have time to chat, I'm late for the bus!

Sorry, I don't have time to chat, I'm late for the bus!

A polite way to end a conversation quickly.

Teste-se

Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.

Do you ___ time to help me with my homework?

✓ Correto! ✗ Quase. Resposta certa: have

We use 'have' to ask about current availability.

Complete the negative form of the phrase.

I'm sorry, I ___ have time to go to the party tonight.

✓ Correto! ✗ Quase. Resposta certa: don't

In English, we use 'don't' (do not) to make the phrase 'have time' negative.

🎉 Pontuação: /2

Recursos visuais

Ways to ask for someone's time

Casual

Used with friends

Got a sec?

Neutral

Everyday situations

Do you have time?

Formal

Business or strangers

Would you happen to have a moment?

Where to use 'Have Time'

have time
💼

At the office

Do you have time for a meeting?

🏠

At home

I have time to cook tonight.

🎬

With friends

Do you have time for a movie?

📱

On the phone

I don't have time to talk right now.

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

It means you are available and not busy with other things. For example, I have time to help you means I am free right now.

No, that is a common mistake. To ask for the hour, say What time is it? or Do you have the time?.

Yes, it is very common. You can ask a boss, Do you have time for a quick question?

You simply say I don't have time. You can add right now to make it sound temporary.

Have time means you are already free. Make time means you are busy, but you will change your schedule to be free for someone.

It is neutral. You can use it with your best friend or your doctor. It fits almost everywhere.

Yes! Use for before a noun, like I have time for a snack. Use to before a verb, like I have time to eat.

This is an exaggeration. It means you are not in a rush at all and have plenty of free time.

Yes, I have no time is a stronger way to say I don't have time. It sounds more stressed or urgent.

Yes, it is a common variation. It sounds like you only need a very small amount of time.

Frases relacionadas

be free

To have no appointments or work to do.

make time

To clear your schedule specifically for something.

spare a moment

A very polite way to ask for a tiny bit of someone's time.

kill time

To do something just because you are waiting and bored.

run out of time

To have no time left to finish a task.

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