as pastimes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as pastimes" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to activities that are done for enjoyment or leisure. Example: "Many people enjoy reading and gardening as pastimes during their free time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Exercising, as pastimes go, is beyond reproach.

The New York Times

There are no retreats and escape routes, except those that modern society itself invents as pastimes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Philosophy and poetry were suitable as pastimes for senators; few, however, were as serious about philosophy as the younger Cato and Cicero.

Encyclopedia Britannica

AS pastimes go, buying, restoring and driving old cars is a harmless -- though often expensive -- indulgence, far removed from the worlds of global politics and terrorist plots.

The New York Times

For a multifaceted man driven by personal passions, what may appear as pastimes are activities central to Mr. Dassault's work as vice president of Groupe Industriel Marcel Dassault, the conglomerate founded by his grandfather.

The New York Times

I have an aversion to karaoke after the band I used to play in was entirely upstaged at a gig by a karaoke machine, but, as pastimes go, it remains a huge market.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

As "Pastime" began, the boat faced offstage, but Childs maneuvered it around to face us, though it was not clear how.

The New Yorker

Football is not the only vulnerable game; scandal has struck pastimes as obscure as handball.

The Economist

President Bush took painting lessons after leaving the White House in January 2009 and has cited British Prime Minister Winston Churchill's book Painting as a Pastime as an inspiration.

BBC

Artistic Noise shows just how powerful art is -- not just as a pastime but as a tool, as a path, as a means of survival.

Huffington Post

But isn't Little League fairly innocuous as masculine pastimes go?

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as pastimes" to introduce a list or description of activities engaged in for pleasure or relaxation, providing context to their significance in a particular setting or individual's life.

Common error

Avoid using "as pastimes" in overly formal contexts where more precise or professional language is expected. Opt for terms like "leisure activities" or "recreational pursuits" in such situations to maintain appropriate register.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as pastimes" functions as a prepositional phrase providing context or qualification to a statement. It introduces the idea of activities undertaken for leisure or enjoyment, often serving to categorize or evaluate them as Ludwig AI indicates.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as pastimes" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase employed to contextualize activities undertaken for leisure. While not exceedingly common, it appears consistently in reputable sources such as The New York Times and Encyclopedia Britannica, indicating its validity in written English as Ludwig AI underlines. When writing, consider its connotations and choose a suitable term like "as hobbies" or "recreational activities" depending on the desired level of formality. As examples from Ludwig show, the most frequent are News & Media, Encyclopedias and Wiki.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as recreational activities

Replaces "pastimes" with a more descriptive term, focusing on the recreational aspect of the activities.

as leisure pursuits

Uses "leisure pursuits" to emphasize the relaxation and enjoyment derived from the activities.

as hobbies

Employs a more common and general term for activities done for pleasure during free time.

as avocations

Replaces with a more formal and less common term for hobbies or minor occupations.

as free-time activities

Highlights the activities are performed during free time, providing a direct and clear alternative.

as recreational interests

Focuses on the aspect of personal interest and enjoyment in recreational activities.

as spare-time occupations

Uses "spare-time occupations" to denote activities that fill available time.

as diversions

Uses a simpler term that indicates activities used to take one's mind off other things.

for entertainment

Focuses on the primary purpose of the activities: providing amusement and enjoyment.

for amusement

Replaces pastimes with a general purpose indicating source of fun and diversion.

FAQs

How can I use "as pastimes" in a sentence?

The phrase "as pastimes" is often used to describe activities undertaken for enjoyment or relaxation. For example, "Exercising, "as pastimes" go, is beyond reproach."

What are some synonyms for "as pastimes"?

Alternatives for "as pastimes" include "as hobbies", "as recreational activities", or "as leisure pursuits". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "as pastimes"?

Yes, the phrase "as pastimes" is grammatically correct. It is commonly used to introduce examples or provide context regarding activities done for leisure.

What is the difference between "as pastimes" and "for entertainment"?

"As pastimes" refers to specific activities one engages in regularly for enjoyment, while "for entertainment" describes the general purpose of seeking amusement or diversion. You might engage in reading "as pastimes" for entertainment.