any spare time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "any spare time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to free time that is available for activities or tasks outside of one's regular obligations. Example: "If you have any spare time this weekend, I would love to catch up over coffee."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

I spend any spare time using Apple TV and Netflix to catch up with those.

The Guardian - Tech

Yet if ever he or his associates had any spare time, such were the rooms in which they spent it.

Encyclopedia Britannica

She followed the footie (rugby), liked pop music, and went climbing and walking whenever she got any spare time.

The Guardian - Opinion

After my daughter was born three years ago, I spent any spare time I could carve out either sleeping or getting a pedicure.

The New York Times - Sports

At least my craving for more time shows that my priorities are in order, and maybe that means I'll savour any spare time I do get.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

All the while, though, he was using the nights and any spare time to write fiction as well, and his first short novel, Leafstorm, was published in 1955.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

I use this when I am working out, when I am driving, and any other spare time I may have because it is extremely effortless to turn on and just listen to while I'm doing other things.

Forbes

Try to do all of it in class (if time is provided), at lunch, or any other spare time you may have.

WikiHow

Only one in ten spent any of their spare time reading, although girls (14 per cent) were more likely to do so than boys (seven per cent).

The Telegraph

Expressing milk is the most sensible thing you can possibly do with any amount of spare time, but for some inexpressible reason, you never fancy it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Indeed, I think we should seek out these games, ones that are worthy of taking up what little spare time any of us have in our adult lives.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To emphasize the scarcity of time, consider phrasing it as "what little spare time" to highlight the preciousness of the moments.

Common error

Avoid using "any spare time" in contexts where you're referring to unproductive or frivolous activities. "Spare time" implies time available for chosen activities, not necessarily time spent idly. If the time is spent unproductively, it's more accurate to describe it as "wasted time" or "idle time".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "any spare time" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as an adjunct modifying a verb or noun. It indicates when or under what condition an action takes place, as evidenced by the numerous examples found by Ludwig that demonstrate its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

16%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "any spare time" is a versatile phrase used to denote available time outside regular commitments. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely understood, finding frequent use across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While it's generally neutral, choosing alternatives like "discretionary time" may be preferable in formal settings. The key is to use the phrase accurately to reflect the intended meaning of available, uncommitted time, distinguishing it from merely unproductive or wasted moments. Be mindful of the context and audience to ensure the most effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

any available time

Focuses on availability rather than the 'spare' aspect, implying simply time that isn't already committed.

any free time

A very close synonym, emphasizing the lack of constraints on the time period.

any discretionary time

Highlights that the time can be used as one chooses, emphasizing freedom and choice.

any extra time

Suggests time beyond what is normally required, implying additional or surplus time.

any unscheduled time

Emphasizes the lack of pre-planned activities during that time.

any downtime

Implies a period of rest or inactivity, often used in the context of work or intense activity.

any leisure time

Specifically refers to time used for relaxation and enjoyment.

moments to spare

Emphasizes very short intervals of time. Less interchangeable in all contexts.

a gap in your schedule

Highlights a specific window of opportunity within an organized timetable. Less interchangeable in all contexts.

a free moment

Implies short, uncommitted intervals of time that open sporadically and are available to be seized for an action. Less interchangeable in all contexts.

FAQs

What's a more formal way to say "any spare time"?

In professional or academic settings, consider using phrases like "any available time" or "any discretionary time" for a more polished tone.

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

You can use "any spare time" to describe when you have free time to do something, for example: "If you have "any spare time" this weekend, could you help me with gardening?".

What's the difference between "any spare time" and "free time"?

While "any spare time" and "any free time" are often used interchangeably, "spare time" can sometimes imply that the time is available because other responsibilities have been completed, whereas "free time" simply indicates uncommitted time.

Is it correct to say "any spare times"?

No, the correct form is "any spare time". "Time" is generally used as an uncountable noun in this context, so it does not take a plural form.