a simple pastime

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a simple pastime" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an activity that is enjoyable and not overly complicated, often done for relaxation or leisure. Example: "Reading novels has always been a simple pastime for me, allowing me to escape into different worlds."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Surfing is a simple pastime.

The New York Times

A simple pastime?

The New York Times

He has put it into his films, he uses it to communicate in a nonliteral way, and it is a simple pastime to boot.

The New York Times

The app is a simple pastime, but I can see how it could get tedious after a few days for anyone over the age of 7. The Tamagotchi's incessant appetite is bested only by the piles of stinking poop it makes (you can tell they are stinky because they have wavy stink lines rising above them).

The New York Times

The duke told the guests, who included FA chairman Greg Dyke: "Over its 150 years, football has remained a wonderful example of the power of community and of our ability to come together to organise and to enjoy a simple pastime".

BBC

The duke told the guests, who included FA chairman Greg Dyke: "Over its 150 years, football has remained a wonderful example of the power of community and of our ability to come together to organise and to enjoy a simple pastime". The Queen gave permission for the Southern Amateur League fixture to take place at the palace.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"Commercialization, climate change, overcrowding and damage to the delicate balance of the mountain world have brought a once simple pastime to the brink of crisis, with reaction setting in".

The New York Times - Books

In a country where the art of puppetry has been taken seriously since early in the Hapsburg Empire, puppet shows are closer to an art form than a simple childhood pastime.

Forbes

Mr. Bhargava visited Ahmedabad for the first time around eight years ago during the kite festival and was moved by how this simple pastime rejuvenated the city's residents.

The New York Times

Many kids enjoy the simple pastime of splashing puddles in their rain boots.

WikiHow

The danger, of course, is if this separateness moves beyond simple pastimes and becomes part of a community's larger identity.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a simple pastime" when you want to convey that an activity is easy to engage in and provides relaxation or enjoyment without requiring significant effort or skill.

Common error

Avoid using overly complex or formal language to describe "a simple pastime". The phrase itself suggests ease and lack of pretension; therefore, keep the surrounding description consistent with this tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a simple pastime" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It describes a particular type of activity characterized by its ease and enjoyability. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is usable in written English to depict an activity done for relaxation or leisure.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a simple pastime" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe an activity that is easy and enjoyable. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It functions as a noun phrase and is generally neutral in register, making it appropriate for a wide range of contexts, especially in news and media. While not extremely frequent, it is well-understood and effectively conveys the idea of an uncomplicated recreational activity. Alternatives like "an easy hobby" or "a casual activity" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an easy hobby

Focuses on the ease and lack of complexity of the activity.

a casual activity

Highlights the relaxed and informal nature of the pastime.

a straightforward pursuit

Emphasizes the directness and uncomplicated nature of the activity.

a basic recreation

Underscores the fundamental and uncomplicated character of the recreational activity.

a manageable hobby

Indicates that the activity is easy to control and not overwhelming.

an undemanding interest

Stresses the lack of pressure or obligation associated with the pastime.

a lighthearted amusement

Suggests the pastime is cheerful and carefree.

an uncomplicated diversion

Highlights the simple and straightforward nature of the activity as a distraction.

a leisurely pursuit

Emphasizes the relaxed and unhurried pace of the activity.

a relaxed entertainment

Focuses on the comfortable and easygoing nature of the pastime.

FAQs

How can I use "a simple pastime" in a sentence?

You can use "a simple pastime" to describe an activity that requires little effort and provides enjoyment, such as, "Gardening is "a simple pastime" that many find relaxing."

What are some alternatives to "a simple pastime"?

Alternatives to "a simple pastime" include phrases like "an easy hobby", "a casual activity", or "a basic recreation", depending on the context you want to emphasize.

Is it appropriate to describe a professional sport as "a simple pastime"?

No, describing a professional sport as "a simple pastime" would be inaccurate. The phrase implies ease and lack of complexity, which does not align with the rigorous training and competition involved in professional sports. A more suitable description might be "a challenging pursuit".

Can "a simple pastime" be used to describe a task that is also a job?

It depends on the context. If someone finds their job to be undemanding and enjoyable, they might jokingly refer to it as "a simple pastime". However, this usage is generally not literal. If the job is easy, you could say is "an easy job".