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Learn natural ways to talk about setting aside time for English study and your own needs.
Vanessa explains the expression “take time” and models two common patterns: “take time to do something” and “take time for something.” The first pattern uses “to” followed by a base verb, as in “take time to learn English.” The second uses “for” before a noun or an -ing form, such as “take time for learning English.” The meaning is not literally picking up time; it is choosing to spend time on an activity or making room for it in your schedule.
She connects the expression to the learner’s own study habits. At the moment someone watches the video, they are taking time to study English, watch a lesson, and learn a new expression. Vanessa asks what the learner is going to take some time to do today, turning the grammar point into a practical question about plans. Learners can answer with an action: “I’m going to take time to review my notes.”
Vanessa then introduces “take time for yourself” and “take time for myself.” She notes that people may spend much of their time caring for children, working, or using energy on responsibilities, so it is also important to make time for personal needs. “Take time for yourself” can mean setting aside a little space for rest, study, or something enjoyable. The phrase can be adapted to “take time for themselves” when speaking about other people.
The examples also contrast “spend time with” a person and “spend time working” at a job. In the latter, “spend time” is followed by an -ing verb; “spend time to work” is not the pattern used in this lesson. The lesson closes by asking learners to write one or two sentences about what they plan to take time to do. For practice, make one sentence with “take time to” plus a verb, then another with “take time for” plus a noun or activity. You can also answer Vanessa’s question with a realistic plan for today, remembering that “take time” emphasizes deliberately setting aside time for something.
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Select an expression for its meaning · 0:00
Opening the lesson with a question about how to use time
Hi, I’m Vanessa from Speak English with Vanessa dot com. Let’s talk about it.
Try it: Answer the question with one realistic plan for today.
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Opening the lesson with a question about how to use time · expression
A question asking what activity someone plans to set aside time for today.
Tone and use: Friendly and practical. Use it to ask about someone’s plans, especially an activity they want to make time for.
May not fit: If you only want to know someone’s schedule, ask “What are you doing today?”
Example“What are you going to take some time to do today—exercise or relax?”
Explaining the core meaning of “take time” · expression
Set aside or devote time to the activity of learning English.
Tone and use: Neutral and purposeful. Use “take time to” followed by a base verb to name an activity you deliberately make time for.
May not fit: Do not use an -ing verb directly after “to” in this pattern; say “to learn,” not “to learning.”
Example“I take some time to practise pronunciation every morning.”
Explaining the core meaning of “take time” · expression
Use time for an activity; after “spend time,” the activity is commonly expressed with an -ing verb.
Tone and use: Neutral and common. Use it to say how someone uses their time: “spend time reading,” “spend time with friends.”
May not fit: Avoid “spend time to do” when describing the activity; use “spend time doing.”
Example“She spends time studying at the library.”
Explaining the core meaning of “take time” · expression
Right now or at the present time.
Tone and use: Neutral and conversational. Use it to describe what is happening now or the current situation.
May not fit: For a permanent routine, use “usually” or “generally” instead.
Example“I’m busy at the moment, but I can call you later.”
Using “take time to” and “take time for” · expression
Set aside time for the activity of learning English; “for” is followed by the -ing form here.
Tone and use: Neutral and purposeful. Use “take time for” before a noun or an -ing activity.
May not fit: Do not use a base verb after “for”; say “for learning,” not “for learn.”
Example“I’m taking time for planning next week’s lessons.”
Using “take time to” and “take time for” · expression
Two distinct methods or forms of doing or expressing something.
Tone and use: Neutral and explanatory. Use it to introduce two options or approaches.
May not fit: If the options are nearly identical, “two versions” may be more precise.
Example“There are two different ways to get to the airport.”
Making time for yourself and describing daily responsibilities · expression
Set aside time for your own needs or an activity that matters to you.
Tone and use: Personal and reflective. Use “for myself” when talking about making time for your own needs or plans.
May not fit: When speaking to someone else, use “for yourself”; for multiple people, “for themselves.”
Example“I’m taking time for myself this evening and reading a book.”
Making time for yourself and describing daily responsibilities · expression
Set aside time for their own needs or interests; “themselves” refers to the people being discussed.
Tone and use: Supportive and reflective. Use it when encouraging or describing people making time for their own needs.
May not fit: Match the reflexive pronoun to the subject: “yourself” for you, “themselves” for they.
Example“Parents need to take time for themselves, too.”
Making time for yourself and describing daily responsibilities · expression
Use a large part of one’s time for work.
Tone and use: Neutral and conversational. Use “spend time + -ing” to describe an activity that takes up someone’s time.
May not fit: If the schedule is exact or formal, specify the number of hours.
Example“He spends a lot of time working on customer requests.”
Encouraging learners to use the expression in their own plans · expression
Emphasizes that learning something should be accompanied by doing or applying it.
Tone and use: Encouraging and instructional. Use “not just X but (also) Y” to stress that a second action matters too.
May not fit: For a simple list without contrast, state both actions directly.
Example“Try not just to read the instructions but to follow them.”
Encouraging learners to use the expression in their own plans · expression
Offer comments or guidance about someone’s work or performance.
Tone and use: Supportive and helpful. Use it when offering suggestions or a response to someone’s practice.
May not fit: If you are only acknowledging receipt, say “I got your message” instead.
Example“My teacher will give me some feedback on my essay.”
Closing with an invitation to use the lesson resources · expression
A reminder or encouragement to do something; it can be understood as “make sure to.”
Tone and use: Friendly and encouraging. Use it when reminding someone about a useful or important action.
May not fit: For a strict requirement, say “you must” or “you need to.”
Example“Be sure to save your work before closing the file.”
Knowledge check
Use it in a sentence · “take some time to learn English”