Spare time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Spare time" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to free time when one is not occupied with work or other obligations. Example: "In my spare time, I enjoy reading novels and going for long walks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What of your spare time?

The New York Times

In their spare time, perhaps?

The New York Times

In her spare time, she sings opera.

The New York Times

In his spare time, he travelled.

The New Yorker

In his spare time, he climbed mountains.

The New Yorker

It was, like, all your spare time".

The New Yorker

But that was in their spare time.

The New York Times

In her spare time, she wrote.

The New Yorker

In their spare time, they make furniture.

The New Yorker

Otherwise, he spent his spare time reading.

The New Yorker

In his spare time, Matthew farms sheep.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "spare time" to refer to periods when someone is not working or engaged in mandatory activities. It's appropriate for describing hobbies, relaxation, or personal pursuits.

Common error

Avoid using "spare time" in highly formal or business contexts where more professional terms like "non-working hours" or "discretionary time" might be more suitable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spare time" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject or object in a sentence, indicating the time available for leisure or non-work activities. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "spare time" is a grammatically correct and very common noun phrase used to describe available free time for leisure activities. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. Primarily found in News & Media contexts, it maintains a neutral register. While the phrase "spare time" is very common, it’s helpful to be aware of alternative terms like "free time" or "leisure time" depending on the context. Avoid using it in highly formal settings where more business-oriented language may be more appropriate. The phrase appears frequently in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The New Yorker, further validating its widespread and accepted use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Free time

Direct synonym, emphasizing the lack of obligation during the time.

Leisure time

Formal synonym for time dedicated to relaxation and enjoyment.

Downtime

Informal term referring to periods of rest or inactivity.

Time off

Indicates time away from work or other regular duties.

Personal time

Emphasizes that the time is for one's own activities and interests.

Available time

Focuses on the accessibility of time for use.

Unoccupied time

Highlights the lack of scheduled activities.

Time to spare

Expresses that there is some extra time available.

Time on your hands

Suggests having more free time than one knows what to do with.

Recreational time

Time dedicated to leisure activities or hobbies.

FAQs

How can I use "spare time" in a sentence?

You can use "spare time" to describe what someone does when they are not working or busy. For example, "In my spare time, I enjoy painting and hiking."

What can I say instead of "spare time"?

You can use alternatives like "free time", "leisure time", or "downtime" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "spare times" instead of "spare time"?

While grammatically possible, "spare times" is less common than "spare time". "Spare time" is generally used to refer to the concept of having free time, while "spare times" might refer to specific instances of free time.

What's the difference between "spare time" and "personal time"?

"Spare time" generally refers to time outside of work or obligations. "Personal time" can include spare time but might also refer to time specifically allocated for personal matters, such as appointments or errands.