during personal time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "during personal time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to activities or events that occur in an individual's free time, separate from work or obligations. Example: "I like to read books during personal time to relax and unwind."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Chief Timoney has increased the number of officers assigned to the case, off-duty officers are working on it during personal time and even retired officers have volunteered.

The New York Times

To avoid this happening again, Private Offices should ensure that their Minister is clear that any meetings or visits due to take place during personal time should not touch on government business.

The Guardian

When I went in, he was sitting in the same quiet pose he always assumed during "personal time" in the Oval Office: glossy head tilted forward, jacket sleeves half on his desk, white cuffs protruding exactly one inch, his black Parker lying ready on its own polished leather reflection.

The New Yorker

It allows users to set an away message during personal time, so that people aren't expecting a response right away.

TechCrunch

The position must be approved by superiors, with activities performed during personal time and reported annually.

Los Angeles Times

People work during personal time, and their personal life mixes with their professional life too.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

2. The space station crew shot most of the film's footage and images during their personal time during evenings and weekends.

Huffington Post

"The governor and the first lady ask that their privacy is respected during this personal time".

The New York Times

It didn't impinge on his day job, he says, because he only studied during his personal time on trips.

The Economist

The despair I hear comes from being the highest-paid clerical worker in the hospital: For every one hour we spend cumulatively with patients, studies have shown, we spend nearly two hours on our primitive Electronic Health Records, or "E.H.R.s," and another hour or two during sacred personal time.

The New York Times - Magazine

At the time, she was presenting as a man at work but starting the process of living as a woman during her personal time.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing employee policies, clearly define what constitutes "during personal time" to avoid ambiguity regarding work expectations outside of regular hours. This is particularly important in remote work environments.

Common error

Avoid assuming employees are available or responsive to work-related communications "during personal time". Establish clear boundaries to respect their work-life balance and prevent burnout.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "during personal time" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs by specifying when an action occurs. Ludwig examples illustrate its use in describing when activities take place, separate from work or other obligations, supporting Ludwig AI explanation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "during personal time" is a grammatically sound and usable English expression that describes activities occurring outside of work or other scheduled obligations, as confirmed by Ludwig. While not exceedingly common, it appears frequently enough to be considered an acceptable phrase in both neutral and slightly formal contexts. Ludwig's examples show that the expression can define boundaries between work and personal life. When writing, be mindful of potential misinterpretations regarding employee availability and clearly define expectations regarding work-related communications outside of regular hours.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in one's free time

Replaces "during personal time" with a common synonym focusing on the concept of freedom from obligations.

during one's personal hours

A more formal version of "during personal time", suitable for official contexts.

in one's leisure time

Emphasizes relaxation and enjoyment during non-work hours, slightly more formal than "free time".

on one's own time

Highlights that the time is controlled by the individual, adding a sense of autonomy.

in one's spare moments

Suggests brief periods of free time, suitable for shorter activities.

outside of work hours

Specifically contrasts activities done during non-working hours, suitable for professional contexts.

during off-hours

Similar to "outside of work hours" but can apply to any scheduled activity, not just work.

when not working

Directly specifies activities done when one is not engaged in work-related tasks.

in one's downtime

Focuses on relaxation and recovery during free time, implying a break from activity.

in one's private moments

Emphasizes the personal and intimate nature of the time, suggesting solitary activities.

FAQs

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

You can use "during personal time" to describe activities done outside of work or scheduled obligations. For example, "I enjoy reading novels "during personal time"" or "Employees are not expected to respond to emails "during personal time"".

What's a more formal alternative to "during personal time"?

A more formal alternative is "during personal hours". This phrase is suitable for official or professional contexts where a more elevated tone is appropriate.

Is it appropriate to contact employees about work matters "during personal time"?

Generally, it is best to avoid contacting employees about work matters "during personal time", as this can infringe on their work-life balance. Unless it's an emergency, it's better to wait until their regular work hours.

What's the difference between "during personal time" and "at work"?

"During personal time" refers to periods when an individual is not engaged in work-related activities, focusing on leisure, personal tasks, or relaxation. "At work" signifies when someone is actively performing their job duties or is expected to be available for work-related tasks. These two states are mutually exclusive.