Time
as a countable and uncountable noun
The word time has both
countable and uncountable uses.
When we talk about the amount of time (number of
hours/days etc.) required to complete something, time is
usually uncountable.
·
We took quite some time to put
the child to bed.
·
Hurry up – we haven’t got
enough time.
·
The project was a complete
waste of time and money.
In expressions like a long time or a
short time, the word time is used as a countable noun.
·
I took a long time to
proofread the work.
When we talk about clock times, time is
countable.
·
Five o’clock would be a great
time to start.
·
I called him at various times
yesterday.
When time is used without a
preposition
Prepositions are often dropped before common
expressions with time.
·
I’m busy right now. Can you
come another time? (More natural than ‘Can you come at another time?’)
·
What time does the train
leave? (More natural than ‘At what time does the train leave?’)
·
You can’t fool me this time.
On time and in time
On time means ‘at the planned time’. In time
means ‘with enough time to spare.’
·
It is important that the
meeting start on time.
·
She would have died if they
hadn’t taken her to hospital in time.