SpeakUp

Grammar fix

save time

be efficient

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

collocationB1common

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • 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

Fix the pattern

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

WrongCooking at home saves a lot of times.

RightCooking at home saves a lot of time.

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

Patternsave time (by) + -ing / save time on + noun

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff This approach economises on time considerably.

Natural This saves a lot of time.

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

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • save time + means
    a lot of timeby planningand moneyin the morning

Don't confuse it

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

Try it in Daily Speak →