hobby

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hobby" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to an activity that someone does for pleasure in their free time. Example: "My favorite hobby is painting landscapes during the weekends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A negative balance shows an unhealthy business and I could not support a gallery just for a hobby at the age of 26".

The Guardian

Farmers had a vested interest in killing foxes, which preyed on their livestock; a hobby rider out for an enjoyable day's riding in the autumn sunshine doesn't really care what is being pursued, a fox or a scented rag.

The Guardian

Wiry and with short-cropped hair flecked with grey, Murphy had worked on building sites most of his adult life, never realising his birdwatching hobby could be a career.

The Guardian

Enmity that was genuine in the middle of the 18th century had become a joke and a hobby, brought into play at football and rugby matches, long before the middle of the 20th.

The Guardian - Opinion

3. Get a hobby A good distraction will stop you from going mad at the country's nightmarish spiral into crypto-fascism.

The Guardian

His own character played a part; never one to manage a concerted campaign, to push and cajole friends to a cause that many cabinet colleagues regarded indulgently as "Frank's hobby", he was too much the individualist, too fond of argument for argument's sake - an effect of his 1930s time as an Oxford politics don - and, ultimately, too lightweight in Whitehall to carry the day.

The Guardian

It is both a job and a hobby.

The Guardian

His family said his only real hobby was UFOs.

The Guardian

Over the course of the past week I made it a bit of a hobby.

The Guardian - Opinion

They insist there can be no question of opening up European treaties for reform, as Cameron demands, nor of any fundamental change to EU migration rules – Ukip's main hobby horse.

The Guardian

"When I play Starcraft 2 it is more as a hobby or a sport than relaxation.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing your "hobby" in professional settings, be prepared to explain its relevance to your skills or personality. Employers often seek candidates with diverse interests.

Common error

Avoid portraying a "hobby" as a full-time commitment when it is something you enjoy in your spare time. Overstating its importance can detract from your professional focus.

Linguistic Context

The word "hobby" primarily functions as a noun, referring to an activity done regularly in one's leisure time for pleasure. Ludwig's examples show its use in various contexts, from personal interests to potential career paths.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Formal & Business

16%

Science

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "hobby" is a common and versatile noun used to describe activities pursued for pleasure during leisure time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appropriate for a wide range of contexts, from casual conversations to professional settings. Related phrases, such as "pastime" and "avocation", offer subtle variations in meaning. When discussing your "hobby", be mindful of the context and ensure it aligns with your overall message. Ludwig's examples provide a rich collection of sentences illustrating the diverse applications of the word "hobby".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pastime

Replaces "hobby" with a general term for an activity done for enjoyment.

favorite pastime

Combines general enjoyment with a personal preference in leisure activities.

avocation

Suggests a secondary occupation pursued with enthusiasm.

leisure pursuit

Emphasizes the aspect of engaging in the activity during free time.

recreational activity

Highlights the activity's role in providing relaxation and enjoyment.

spare-time activity

Directly indicates an activity done when not working or occupied.

favorite activity

Highlights the individual's personal preference and enjoyment.

personal interest

Focuses on the subject or area that someone finds engaging and enjoys learning about or participating in.

side interest

Implies an interest pursued alongside other primary activities or responsibilities.

pet project

Suggests a personal endeavor that someone is particularly fond of and invests significant time in.

FAQs

How to use "hobby" in a sentence?

You can use "hobby" to describe an activity you enjoy doing in your spare time. For example, "My favorite hobby is playing the guitar" or "She turned her hobby into a successful business".

What can I say instead of "hobby"?

You can use alternatives like "pastime", "avocation", or "leisure pursuit" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "hobby" or "hobbies"?

"Hobby" is singular, referring to one activity. "Hobbies" is plural, referring to multiple activities. For example, "Photography is my hobby" versus "Photography and hiking are my hobbies".

What's the difference between "hobby" and "interest"?

While both involve enjoyment, a "hobby" typically implies active participation and skill development, whereas an "interest" may simply involve passive enjoyment or curiosity. You can have an interest in astrophysics, but your hobby might be building telescopes.