Make Good Time – Meaning and Examples
Have you ever taken a trip and arrived much earlier than you planned? When you travel or complete a task quickly, especially quicker than anticipated, we use the idiom make good time.
This phrase is essential for talking about efficiency, speed, and travel. Let’s learn how to use make good time correctly!
What Does “Make Good Time” Mean?
“Make good time” means to move or progress rapidly, completing a journey, task, or distance in less time than was originally planned or expected. It implies efficiency, often due to favorable conditions (like clear traffic or focused work).
Think of a race car driver setting a new personal record on a track. They are moving so quickly and smoothly that they make good time.
The phrase is used figuratively to describe efficient progress.
When to Use It
Use this phrase in neutral or casual conversations when discussing speed and efficiency:
- Travel: Arriving quickly on a trip because of smooth traffic or fast movement.
- Work/Projects: Completing a difficult phase of a project ahead of schedule.
- Personal Goals: Running a long distance faster than usual.
This phrase is neutral and can be used in almost any context related to progress.
Example Sentences
- Because there was no traffic, we made good time and arrived an hour early.
- If we work through lunch, we can make good time on the final report.
- I was surprised that the delivery driver made good time even during the snowstorm.
- We need to get to the airport quickly, so let’s try to make good time.
Mini Dialogue
Alex: “The map said the drive would take three hours.”
Jamie: “I know! We only drove for two hours and fifteen minutes. We really made good time!”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not confuse make good time (meaning speed/efficiency) with “have a good time” (meaning to enjoy yourself). They are completely different concepts.
❌ Don’t say: “I made good time at the party last night.” (Use “had a good time” instead.)
✅ Do say: “I made good time getting home from the party.” (Correct use for fast movement.)
Practice Tip
Next time you finish your English lesson quickly, tell yourself: “I really made good time on my vocabulary practice today!”
Final Note
Excellent! You now know how to use make good time to talk about fast and efficient progress, especially when traveling.
Keep studying hard so you can make good time in achieving your fluency goals!
