during free time

USAGE SUMMARY

"during free time" is a correctly formed phrase that is usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the moments or periods when someone is not obligated to do anything, especially work or school-related tasks. For example: "During free time, I like to go for walks in the park and relax."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

According to the lawsuit, which names the school district and Polhemus as defendants, Micah, a fifth-grader, asked his teacher about passing out the fliers and the teacher reportedly said he had asked the principal and learned it was allowed "during free time only". Nieko, a second-grader, started passing out fliers before his teacher stopped him.

Los Angeles Times

Besides helping the campers during classes, Mr. Pereira plays puzzle games with them during free time.

The New York Times

At her next appointment with Lainhart, she said: "I listen to people's conversations during free time in science.

The New York Times - Magazine

In particular, Eggers draws attention to how participating in corporate social networks during free time transforms leisure into unpaid labor.

Harvard Business Review

I'd better go search for playing cards; it'll be a good idea to have something for the family to do during free time.

The New York Times

Mr. Whitney, who is divorced, worked on his film during free time and on vacations, traveling around the country to interview relatives, many of whom he had not seen in years.

The New York Times

Hayden Waller, a 12-year-old pupil at Howard School, in Gillingham, Kent, had taken a shortcut with friends during free time on a skiing trip to the Alps.

The Guardian

The evidence suggests that there has been at least one occasion (the meeting with Harvey Boulter) when the Defence Secretary had a planned meeting on MoD business, due to take place during free time.

The Guardian

PHOTO: DAVID BERKEColumbia College and SEAS Student Council members engaged in student diplomacy on campus from April 3 5, interacting with counterparts from Universidad ICESI (Cali, Colombia and Chinaa's top student body presidents through forums and during free time.

Columbia University

Ellen Specter, a kindergarten teacher in Cherry Hill, says that the students who gravitate to the two computers during free time are often those who have computers at home.

The New York Times - Tech

That definition holds that leisure is uncoerced, contextually framed activity engaged in during free time, which people want to do and, using their abilities and resources, actually do in a satisfying or a fulfilling way (or both).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When scheduling activities, clearly define what constitutes "free time" to avoid misunderstandings, especially in structured environments like schools or workplaces.

Common error

Avoid blurring the lines between "free time" and work-related expectations. For example, don't assume employees should respond to emails during their "free time" unless it's explicitly compensated as on-call time.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "during free time" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate when an action occurs. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it specifies the temporal context in which activities are performed, denoting periods of leisure or availability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

28%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "during free time" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to specify when an action occurs outside of structured obligations. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely accepted. Ludwig examples show its prevalence across diverse contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources, indicating broad applicability. When using "during free time", ensure clear communication to avoid misunderstandings, particularly in work or academic settings. Consider related phrases like "in one's leisure time" or "in one's spare moments" for nuanced expressions of leisure activity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in one's leisure time

Emphasizes personal leisure, shifting focus from general availability to individual enjoyment.

in one's spare moments

Highlights brief instances of availability, suggesting shorter durations of free time.

when not occupied

Focuses on the absence of obligations, suitable for formal contexts.

outside of work hours

Specifically refers to time outside professional commitments, ideal for workplace discussions.

after hours

Implies time after the normal working day or school day.

in one's downtime

Suggests a period of relaxation and reduced activity.

on one's own time

Emphasizes personal control and autonomy over the time being used.

when time permits

Indicates that an activity is contingent on having sufficient available time.

at one's convenience

Focuses on scheduling flexibility and personal preference.

during off-peak hours

Refers to times when activity or demand is lower, useful in business or service contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "during free time" in a sentence?

You can use "during free time" to describe when someone engages in a particular activity when they are not obligated to do anything else. For example, "During free time, I enjoy reading books or going for walks."

What are some alternatives to saying "during free time"?

Some alternatives to "during free time" include "in one's leisure time", "in one's spare moments", or "when not occupied", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to assign homework to be completed "during free time"?

While assigning tasks to be done "during free time" might seem reasonable, consider the individual's perspective. What one person considers "free time", another might need for rest, personal obligations, or other priorities. Clear communication is essential.

How does "during free time" differ from "after work hours"?

"During free time" is a more general term referring to any period where one is not obligated to work or attend school. "After work hours" is more specific, referring only to the time after one's professional duties have concluded. "During free time" could also include "on one's own time" over the weekend.