hobbies

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "hobbies" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to activities that someone enjoys doing in their free time, for example: "My hobbies include playing the piano, cooking, and gardening".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A postgraduate degree, extracurricular activities and physical hobbies convey a personality that is driven to succeed rather than given to sitting on a couch and bingeing on chocolate.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Finding hobbies that don't cost much is a great way to spend your time here.

The Guardian

Other tweeters accused Shapps of being patronising to working people by reducing their hobbies to bingo and beer.

The Guardian

*** "Are there any hobbies you're particularly passionate about right now? Marathons?

The Guardian - Tech

He was passionate about his family and friends, as well as his hobbies, including cycling, golf, skiing, and trout and salmon fishing.

The Guardian

He also raised concerns about a number of his fellow seamen, including one whose hobbies he claimed were killing small animals and watching extreme pornography.

The Guardian

People say they want to know about policy but they are actually far more interested in personality Out of hundreds of daily diary entries, just 27% mentioned policies while 73% were about parties or politicians, especially the latter: their dress sense, their hobbies, their speech mannerisms, even their wives.

The Guardian

Volunteering must compete with attractions such as skiing, cruises and expensive hobbies.

The Guardian

While hobbies such as collecting stamps or flower arranging can help with memory and cognition, and provide a focus, cooking offers so much more.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I'd like my daughter to have a diverse set of hobbies, and not get obsessed.

The Guardian - Tech

If nothing else, spending small amounts of time away from him would be good training for the moment he moves out, when we're left to confront the unrelenting emptiness of our lives and pour all our attention into a succession of crap hobbies.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When listing multiple "hobbies", use a consistent grammatical structure. For example: "My hobbies are reading, hiking, and painting".

Common error

Avoid using "hobby" as a mass noun. "Hobbies" is countable; use the plural form when referring to more than one activity. Instead of saying "I have a hobby of collecting stamps", say "I have the hobby of collecting stamps" or "I have hobbies like collecting stamps".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "hobbies" is as a plural noun, representing activities pursued for pleasure or relaxation during leisure time. Ludwig AI indicates the word is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

The Economist

35%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

The Guardian

11%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "hobbies" functions as a plural noun used to describe activities pursued for enjoyment during leisure time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used. Its communicative purpose involves expressing personal interests across diverse contexts, maintaining a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal settings. Common alternatives include "pastimes" and "interests". A key writing tip is to maintain consistent grammatical structure when listing multiple "hobbies", while avoiding the incorrect use of "hobby" as a mass noun.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pastimes

A more formal or traditional synonym for "hobbies".

interests

Broader term that includes "hobbies" but can also refer to professional or intellectual pursuits.

recreational activities

Focuses on the leisure aspect of "hobbies".

leisure pursuits

Similar to recreational activities, emphasizing activities done during free time.

spare-time activities

Highlights that these activities are done in one's spare time.

avocations

A more formal and less common synonym for "hobbies".

side interests

Emphasizes that these are secondary to one's main occupation.

relaxation activities

Focuses on the stress-relieving aspect of "hobbies".

personal interests

Highlights the personal and individual nature of the activities.

favorite activities

Emphasizes personal preference and enjoyment.

FAQs

How do I properly use the word "hobbies" in a sentence?

Use "hobbies" to refer to multiple activities you enjoy in your free time. For example, "My "hobbies" include playing guitar, reading, and gardening".

What are some alternatives to the word "hobbies"?

You can use alternatives like "pastimes", "interests", or "recreational activities" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "hobby" when referring to multiple activities?

No, "hobby" is singular. Use "hobbies" when referring to more than one activity. For example, "My "hobbies" are quite diverse".

What's the difference between "interests" and "hobbies"?

"Interests" is a broader term that can include both professional and leisure activities, while "hobbies" specifically refers to activities done for enjoyment during free time.