in my spare moments

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in my spare moments" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the time you have available when you are not busy with other obligations or activities. Example: "I enjoy reading novels in my spare moments, as it allows me to escape into different worlds."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

So in my spare moments, I went to the biochemistry department at Singapore University Hospital, and worked with people there to try to figure it out.

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Instead, the service is a mishmash of concepts that have already been proven to work on mobile: image-based messaging, truncated text (like Twitter, there's a character limit on Jelly as well), an addictive, swipe-able interface (reminiscent of Tinder), and the ability to dive in and participate in spare moments of time.

TechCrunch

To relax in the few spare moments that come my way, I have quite unexplainably developed a fondness for test-driving heavy military vehicles.

Princeton University

Resourceful and spirited ("vibracious," Peeler says), they hang out in spare moments in Peeler's cornflower blue living room — she has the better couch and a stereo.

The Washington Post

"It's my train problem," he said, meaning a problem sufficiently contained that he could think about it in spare moments, while in transit.

The New Yorker

After three years, during which he came in contact with the internal-combustion engine for the first time, he returned to the farm, where he worked part-time for the Westinghouse Engine Company and in spare moments tinkered in a little machine shop he set up.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In his spare moments he wrote stories.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In our spare moments, if any, we watch television.

The New York Times

In her spare moments, she says, she attends classes toward a general equivalency diploma.

The New York Times

In his spare moments, he obsessively writes cranky letters to newspapers, airlines or politicians, complaining about perceived injustices.

Independent

But the simplicity of its straightforward design will be useful to help you refresh your knowledge in your spare moments.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in my spare moments" to describe activities you engage in during your free time, especially when specifying how you utilize short or infrequent periods of availability.

Common error

While generally acceptable, avoid overusing "in my spare moments" in highly formal or professional documents. Alternatives like "during my leisure time" or "in my free time" may sound more appropriate in such settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in my spare moments" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb by indicating when an action occurs. As shown by Ludwig, it specifies the timing of activities undertaken during free time.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in my spare moments" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to specify when actions occur during one's free time. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, although a more formal tone may be preferable for strictly professional settings. It's frequently found in news articles, academic texts, and encyclopedias. Alternatives such as "in my free time" or "during my downtime" offer semantically similar ways to describe activities done during available time. Overall, this phrase effectively communicates the timing of actions within the context of available free time.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

In my free time

Replaces 'spare moments' with a more general term for free time.

In my leisure time

Substitutes 'spare moments' with a more formal expression for relaxation time.

When I have some time to spare

Rephrases to emphasize the availability of time.

During my downtime

Uses a more concise term referring to periods of inactivity or rest.

In my off hours

Emphasizes time away from work or regular duties.

When I'm not busy

Focuses on the absence of other commitments.

When I get a chance

Highlights the opportunity to do something.

On the side

Suggests doing something as an additional activity.

In my idle moments

Emphasizes moments of inactivity or relaxation.

In any extra time I have

Highlights the limited availability of time.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "in my spare moments"?

You can use alternatives like "in my free time", "during my downtime", or "in my leisure time" depending on the context.

How do I use "in my spare moments" in a sentence?

You can use "in my spare moments" to describe activities you do when you are not busy with other obligations, such as "I enjoy reading novels in my spare moments".

Is it better to say "in my spare time" or "in my spare moments"?

"In my spare time" is generally used for ongoing hobbies or activities, while "in my spare moments" often refers to actions done during brief periods of free time.

What's the difference between "in my spare moments" and "when I have time"?

"In my spare moments" implies utilizing small intervals of free time, whereas "when I have time" is a more general statement about doing something when your schedule allows.