fill time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fill time" is a valid and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is often used to refer to activities or hobbies used to occupy one's time. For example, "I like to fill time by reading books."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

To fill time, he studied drawing.

The New York Times

At Magnolia's, Giuliani's advance people tried to fill time.

The New Yorker

Raftery recalled needing to find ways to fill time.

The New York Times - Sports

He is left on the stage to fill time.

Independent

Best injection location and fill time were studied.

Procedia Engineering

"At this time of year, they're looking to fill time.

The New York Times

People fill time at these excruciating events by talking gold-standard, cloud-cuckoo-land nonsense.

Independent

Lasting nearly two hours, "Cesena" seems even more stretched to fill time, stalling for the sun.

The New York Times - Arts

A Hollow Body (Free) Looking to fill time during the (long) wait between series of Sherlock?

The Guardian - Tech

The WWOR interview with Trump, used, in part, to fill time, almost did not happen.

The Washington Post

However, the music sounds like a chatshow orchestra from the 1970s being told to fill time.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fill time", consider the context. Is it about idleness, productivity, or distraction? Choose synonyms or related phrases that reflect the specific nuance you intend to convey.

Common error

Avoid using "fill time" as a generic phrase for all activities. Be specific about the nature of the activity, like "occupy time with hobbies" or "spend time learning" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fill time" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe the act of occupying oneself during a period when there is little else to do. As Ludwig AI highlights, it appears in various contexts, emphasizing its role in utilizing available moments.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

26%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fill time" is a common verb phrase used to describe occupying oneself during a period of inactivity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use in diverse contexts, particularly in news and media, as well as scientific domains. While it is a versatile phrase, consider the specific nuance you wish to convey. Alternative phrases like "occupy time" or "pass time" might be more appropriate depending on whether the focus is on productivity or leisure. Remember to avoid overuse and provide specific context to ensure clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

occupy time

Focuses on engaging in activities to use time.

pass time

Emphasizes making time go by, often with leisurely activities.

kill time

Highlights eliminating boredom during a wait or lull.

while away the time

Suggests a relaxed and enjoyable way of spending time.

use up time

Highlights consuming time with a specific activity.

spend time

A general way to describe using time for any purpose.

employ time

Focuses on utilizing time productively or for a specific task.

take up time

Indicates that an activity requires a certain amount of time.

devote time

Emphasizes dedicating time to a particular activity or cause.

invest time

Suggests spending time with the expectation of a future return or benefit.

FAQs

How can I use "fill time" in a sentence?

You can use "fill time" to describe activities done to occupy oneself, such as "He studied drawing to "occupy time" while waiting for the results".

What are some alternatives to "fill time"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "pass time", ""occupy time"", or "kill time".

Is it better to say "fill time" or "spend time"?

Both are correct, but they have slightly different connotations. "Fill time" implies occupying otherwise empty moments, while "spend time" is a more general term for how time is used.

What's the difference between "fill time" and "kill time"?

"Fill time" suggests engaging in activities to occupy oneself, while "kill time" implies making time pass more quickly, often during boredom.