Cool MateNot enough time vs There isn't time
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Not enough time
Top 1,000 (very common)
There isn't time
Top 3,000 (common)
Most common: Not enough time
| Not enough time | There isn't time | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //nɒt ɪˈnʌf taɪm//🇺🇸 //nɑt ɪˈnʌf taɪm// | 🇬🇧 //ðeər ˈɪznt taɪm//🇺🇸 //ðɛr ˈɪzənt taɪm// |
| Meaning | There isn’t sufficient time to do something. | We don't have enough time. |
| Example | I realized I had not enough time to finish the project. | I wish I could help, but there isn't time to finish everything. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 3,000 (common) |
| Collocations | have not enough time, feel not enough time, manage not enough time | There isn't time for that, There isn't time to lose, There isn't enough time |
| Common mistakes | Confusing with 'not enough time to do something' vs 'not enough time for something'., Omitting 'not' when expressing the lack of time., Using in overly formal contexts, where a more sophisticated phrase is preferred. | Saying 'There are not time' instead of 'There isn't time'., Confusing 'there isn't time' with 'there isn't enough time'., Using 'time doesn't exist' instead of 'there isn't time'. |
| Usage notes | Use in contexts where you feel rushed or short on time. Avoid in formal writing; it's more conversational. | Used commonly to indicate a lack of available time, appropriate in both formal and informal settings. Avoid using in overly casual contexts as it may come across as dismissive. |
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Frequently asked questions: Not enough time vs There isn't time
What's the difference between Not enough time and There isn't time?
Not enough time: There isn’t sufficient time to do something. There isn't time: We don't have enough time.
Which is more common: Not enough time and There isn't time?
Not enough time is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Not enough time: I realized I had not enough time to finish the project. There isn't time: I wish I could help, but there isn't time to finish everything.
Can I use Not enough time and There isn't time interchangeably?
Not always. Not enough time and There isn't time are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.