| 词组 | time |
| 释义 | time This entry deals with uses of the word time. For information on telling the time, and on prepositions and adverbs used to talk about time, see entry at ↑ Time is what we measure in hours, days, years, etc. ...a period of time. More time passed. You do not usually use time when you are saying how long something takes or lasts. You do not say, for example, 'The course took two years' time' or 'Each song lasts ten minutes' time'. You say 'The course took two years' or 'Each song lasts ten minutes'. The whole process probably takes twenty-five years. The run lasts two hours. You can, however, use time when you are saying how long it will be before something happens. For example, you can say 'We are getting married in two years' time'. The exchange ends officially in a month's time. In a few days' time, she may change her mind. Time is usually used as an uncount noun, so you do not use 'a' with it. You do not say, for example, 'I haven't got a time to go shopping'. You say 'I haven't got time to go shopping'. I didn't know if we'd have time for tea. ◊ 'a...time' However, you can use 'a' with an adjective and time when you are indicating how long something takes or lasts. You can say, for example, that something takes 'a long time' or takes 'a short time'. The proposal would take quite a long time to discuss in detail. After a short time one of them said 'It's all right, we're all friends here.' You can also use expressions like these, with or without 'for', as adverbials. They had been camped there for a long time. He's going to have to wait a very long time. They worked together for a short time. You've only been in the firm quite a short time. If you are enjoying yourself while you are doing something, you can say, for example, that you are having a good time. Downstairs, Eva was having a wonderful time. Did you have a good time up in Edinburgh? Note that you must use 'a' in sentences like these. You do not say, for example, 'Eva was having wonderful time'. ◊ 'a time' You use a time after 'for' or 'after' to mean 'a fairly long time'. She sat down for a time on a rush-seated chair. After a time Welch began pulling. You also use a time with a qualifier to refer to a period of time when something was or will be the case. He retains some recollection of a time before these ills had become common. I cannot remember a time when a Prime Minister allowed so much freedom for the expression of dissent. ◊ used to mean 'occasion' Time is used with 'the' or 'that' and a qualifier to refer to the occasion when something happened or will happen. By the time the waiter brought their coffee, she was drunk. Do you remember that time when Adrian phoned up? When time has this meaning, you can use words like 'first' or 'last' in front of it. It was the first time she spoke. When was the last time I saw you? Expressions such as the first time and the next time are often used as adverbials. The next time he would offer to fight. The second time I hired a specialist firm. Next time (without 'the') is also used as an adverbial. You'll see a difference next time. Next time you will do everything right. ◊ 'on time' If something happens on time, it happens at the right time or punctually. He turned up regularly on time for guard duty. He might play poker until dawn but he was always on time. ◊ 'in time' Do not confuse on time with in time. If you are in time for a particular event, you are not late for it. We're just in time. I thought I'd get here in time. He returned to his hotel in time for a late supper. If something such as a job or task is finished in time, it is finished at or before the time when it should be finished. I can't do it in time. In time has another meaning. You use it to say that something happens eventually, after a lot of time has passed. In time the costs will decrease. In time I came to see how important this was. |
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