He sets a timer for thirty minutes.

Meaning: This sentence tells us that the baker uses a device to measure the time for thirty minutes.

Choice of Words: Sets means to put something in a particular position or condition. Timer is a device used to measure the amount of time that has passed. Thirty is a number that comes after twenty-nine. Minutes is a unit of time equal to sixty seconds.

Alternative Expressions

He starts a timer to count down thirty minutes.

Meaning: This means he is starting a device that will count down from thirty minutes to zero.

Choice of Words: Starts is a verb that means to begin or initiate something. Timer is a device used to measure the passage of time. To is a preposition that indicates the purpose or direction of something. Count down is a verb phrase that means to reduce the amount of time remaining. Thirty is a number that represents the amount of time, and minutes is a unit of time measurement. When you put them together, "He starts a timer to count down thirty minutes" means he is beginning a device that will reduce the time remaining from thirty minutes to zero.

He uses a device to measure thirty minutes of time.

Meaning: This means he is using a device to count down from thirty minutes to zero.

Choice of Words: Uses is a verb that means to employ or utilize something. Device is a general term for a tool or instrument. To is a preposition that indicates the purpose or direction of something. Measure is a verb that means to determine the size, amount, or quantity of something. Thirty is a number that represents the amount of time, and minutes is a unit of time measurement. When you put them together, "He uses a device to measure thirty minutes of time" means he is employing a tool to determine the passage of thirty minutes.

Related Expressions