as a side activity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a side activity" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that is done as a hobby or extra task, not related to your main job or purpose. Example sentence: I decided to take up gardening as a side activity to reduce stress.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Formal verification has been experimented as a side activity of the project.

Science of Computer Programming

You can take photos in Spider-Man but it's mostly used as a side activity to tick off markers on the game map – your central role is bad-guy thumping, which is fine because you're a superhero after all.

The Guardian - Games

Lower risk firms, including not-for-profit debt counselling organisations and businesses providing lending as a side activity, such as sports clubs that allow their members to pay in instalments, will not have to meet such onerous standards and will pay lower fees.

The Guardian - Money

This direct incorporation of oxygen from H2O2 can be described as peroxygenation and resembles the so-called peroxide "shunt" known as a side activity of some P450s (Joo et al. 1999).

AMB Express

As a side activity, visitors can hop the Tren del Fin del Mundo (End of the World Train) from Ushuaia to the coastal Tierra del Fuego National Park just 11km away, to explore the forested area via multiple hiking and climbing trails.

BBC

The producer, Maciej Mickiewicz, makes wine as a side activity.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Thus, the only novelty of this manuscript is the production of xylosyl-xylitol oligomers as a side-activity of S. stipitis and N. crassa xylose reductases (XR).

eLife

Therefore, tailoring the user interface is considered a side-activity.

Journal of the Brazilian Computer Society

After 6 years in Cambridge and Oxford, I started my first post-doctoral position in Canada, thinking only of research; an extension of my PhD when I had viewed teaching as an enjoyable side-activity that I only engaged in when I needed money or had time for a bit of "CV building".

F1000Research

Previously, the cellulase preparations used have contained cellulases such as endoglucanase I with side activity towards xylan, preventing detailed studies of the solubilization mechanism of xylans versus cellulose.

Biotechnology for Biofuels

However, owing to the high H2O activation ability of metal surface, the H2 evolution from water as a side reaction greatly decreases the activity and selectivity for CO2 reduction.

Applied Catalysis B: Environmental

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing roles or projects, use "as a side activity" to clearly indicate that it is secondary to the main focus. This helps avoid confusion about priorities and responsibilities.

Common error

Avoid overemphasizing a "side activity" in contexts where the primary role should be highlighted. This can dilute your message and misrepresent your core focus. Always make the distinction clear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a side activity" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun, indicating that an action or role is secondary or additional to the main one. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

37%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as a side activity" is a grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to denote that something is done in addition to a primary role or focus. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. It is most commonly found in news and media, science, and wiki sources, suggesting a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, ensure that the distinction between the main activity and the side activity is clear to avoid confusion. Alternatives like "on the side" or "as a hobby" can be used depending on the specific context and desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on the side

Shorter and more informal way to say something is done additionally.

as a hobby

Focuses specifically on leisure activities done for enjoyment.

as a side interest

Focuses on the aspect of personal interest and enjoyment.

as a pastime

Emphasizes the recreational nature of the activity.

as a diversion

Suggests the activity is done to distract from something else.

in one's free time

Highlights the temporal aspect of doing something outside of work or obligations.

as a supplementary pursuit

More formal phrasing emphasizing the additional nature of the activity.

as a second job

Implies the activity is a source of income, albeit not the primary one.

as a secondary occupation

Highlights that the activity generates income, but is not the main job.

as an extracurricular activity

Typically used in academic contexts for activities outside the curriculum.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "as a side activity"?

You can use alternatives such as "as a hobby", "on the side", or "as a secondary pursuit" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "side activity" or "hobby"?

While both terms describe non-primary activities, "side activity" often implies a more structured or purposeful engagement compared to "hobby", which is generally for leisure and enjoyment. The best choice depends on the specific activity and the intended nuance.

What's the difference between "as a side activity" and "as a second job"?

"As a side activity" typically refers to something pursued for interest, skill development, or additional experience, while "as a second job" implies that the activity is primarily for financial gain.

How do I show that something is less important than my main focus?

Use phrases like "as a side activity", "secondarily", or "in addition to my main role" to clearly indicate that the activity is not the primary focus of your work or efforts.