ENGLISH
REFERENCE

have time for sth

fixed phr..
A1 Beginner Oxford

fixed phr.. To have enough free time to do something. It's often used in the negative to say you are too busy.

fixed phr.. To possess sufficient available time to engage in an activity or person; frequently used in the negative to indicate being too busy.


SIMPLE

I have time for a quick chat.

CONTEXTUAL

After she finished her project, she finally had time for her hobbies again.

COMPLEX

The director, constantly occupied with administrative duties, lamented that he no longer had time for the creative work that he truly loved.

Usage

This phrase is very common in the negative ('don't have time for') to politely refuse something.

Teaching tip

Contrast with 'make time for', which implies actively creating an opportunity, whereas 'have time for' describes existing availability.

Pitfall

I don't have time of that.I don't have time for that.The correct preposition to use after 'time' in this phrase is 'for'.

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