filled my time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "filled my time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe how someone occupied their time with activities or tasks. Example: "During the summer, I filled my time with reading and exploring new hobbies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

I've filled my time with work, 12 hours a day, six days a week, for years.

The New York Times

But, otherwise, I accepted my lot and largely filled my time reading missionary narratives.

The Guardian - Opinion

David Bowie filled my time as I wasted my time, staying home from school, my whole life a three-day week.

The Guardian - Music

In our old house under Ben More Assynt, there was no television, so I filled my time with books of the sort Dalrymple would go on to write, not least the travel writing of Bruce Chatwin, Ryszard Kapuscinski and Jonathan Raban.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

"I needed to do something to fill my time and maybe make a few bucks".

The New York Times

How ever am I going to fill my time without it?

The Guardian - Books

"It fills my time and fulfills my sense of being with people I really like," she said.

The New York Times

What sort of new activities, the life coach wanted to know, might I take up after my divorce to expand my horizons and fill my time?

The New York Times

I have things that fill my time but they never fill the emptiness that I desperately long to be filled by another person.

The Guardian

At the turn of the 80s, in my late teens in Wigan, I found myself briefly, academically becalmed before beginning my degree, and so chose to fill my time with two extra A-levels, chosen pretty much on a whim.

The Guardian - Arts

Though it's still possible to stay the night, as Dickens did, I stayed for just a few hours, filling my time with a quick tour of the monastery's oddball museum, which showcased local taxidermy and ancient coins and maps, once used for passage.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing how you "filled my time", be specific about the activities you engaged in to provide a clearer picture to your audience. For example, instead of saying "I filled my time", you could say "I filled my time with reading, writing, and learning new skills".

Common error

Avoid using "filled my time" without providing context about the activities involved. A lack of specifics can make the statement feel empty and uninformative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "filled my time" functions as a verb phrase, where "filled" is the past tense of the verb "to fill". It describes the action of occupying one's time with activities. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "filled my time" is a grammatically sound and understandable expression used to describe how someone has occupied their time. As Ludwig confirms, the expression is valid and appears mostly within the news and media. While its usage is correct, providing specific examples of how time was filled enhances clarity. For alternatives, consider phrases such as "occupied my time" or "spent my time" to convey a similar meaning. Ensure that when using this phrase, you provide enough context to make your meaning clear to the reader.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

occupied my time

Replaces "filled" with "occupied", emphasizing the act of taking up time.

spent my time

Focuses on how time was used, rather than the act of filling it.

used my time

A more general term for utilizing time.

passed my time

Implies a more leisurely or casual use of time.

invested my time

Suggests a purposeful or valuable use of time.

devoted my time

Emphasizes dedication and commitment in using time.

allocated my time

Highlights a strategic distribution of time.

employed my time

A more formal way of saying "used my time".

busied myself

Focuses on keeping oneself active and engaged.

engaged in activities

Describes the act of participating in activities to use time.

FAQs

How can I use "filled my time" in a sentence?

You can use "filled my time" to describe how you occupied your time, such as "During the summer, I "filled my time" with reading and exploring new hobbies".

What can I say instead of "filled my time"?

Alternatives to "filled my time" include "occupied my time", "spent my time", or "used my time", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "filled my time" or "occupied my time"?

Both "filled my time" and "occupied my time" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. The choice depends on personal preference and the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "spent my time" and "filled my time"?

"Spent my time" focuses on how the time was used, while "filled my time" emphasizes the act of occupying the time. For example, "I "spent my time" reading" versus "I "filled my time" with various activities".