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save time — be efficient

collocationB1IELTS 5+neutralcommon

to do something in a way that uses less time, so you have more time for other things

Say it like a native

Textbook This approach economises on time considerably.

Native This saves a lot of time.

'Save time' is the plain natural phrase; 'economise on time' is unidiomatic.

Pattern: save time (by) + -ing / save time on + noun

In use

  • Using a dishwasher can save time compared to washing dishes by hand.daily life
  • In my opinion, shopping online really helps people save time, especially if they have a busy schedule.IELTS speaking

Common mistake

✗ Cooking at home saves a lot of times.

✓ Cooking at home saves a lot of time.

'Time' here is uncountable — no plural 'times'.

Common collocations

  • save time + means — a lot of time, by planning, and money, in the morning

Don't confuse it

'Spend time' means to use time doing something; 'save time' means to reduce the amount of time needed.

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