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MERELY HAVE THE TIME vs BARELY HAVE THE TIME

Both phrases are correct, but they have slightly different meanings. 'Merely have the time' implies having just enough time, while 'barely have the time' suggests having very little time available. The choice between them depends on the intended meaning.

Last updated: March 08, 2024

MERELY HAVE THE TIME

This phrase is correct and means having just enough time.

This phrase is used to indicate that someone has only a small amount of time available for a particular task or activity.

Examples:

  • I can merely have the time to finish this report before the deadline.
  • Sep 28, 2013 ... We merely have the time to do the best we can to execute on what we've already committed to do. Rooting for your team to fail is as bad as it ...
  • ... but have been satisfied with the closeness and bonding that they have established during the attempt, and are quite pleased to merely have the time together ...
  • 67 As a result, hegemonic relationships do not merely have the time to form and consolidate and indeed form complex models of articulation in the light of ...
  • Dating sites are indeed a helpful venue for career people who merely have the time to date someone public. Professional businessmen and women would find it  ...

Alternatives:

  • only have the time
  • just have the time

BARELY HAVE THE TIME

This phrase is correct and means having very little time available.

This phrase is used to convey that someone has a minimal amount of time for a specific task or activity.

Examples:

  • I can barely have the time to grab lunch between meetings.
  • Dec 31, 2014 ... They barely have the time or resources to help themselves. And sometimes helping yourself helps others, if you know what I mean. Maybe ...
  • It's a shame you're so busy all the time and barely have the time to research all of the incredible events available. Well say, 'I want in' to OTL London — The ...
  • Jul 27, 2011 ... Now, given a lot of other commitments, I barely have the time to sit down and finish a post within a week. Though I still try, believe me. Anyway ...
  • Mar 11, 2014 ... As much as I enjoy it, and am pretty good at it when I get into it and get going, I barely have the time to write a decent post in the comments ...

Alternatives:

  • scarcely have the time
  • hardly have the time

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