is not a hobby

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is not a hobby" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when distinguishing between activities that are considered hobbies and those that are not, often in a context discussing interests or pastimes. Example: "While many people enjoy painting as a pastime, for me, it is not a hobby; it's a profession."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

It is not a hobby.

The New York Times

"I mean, parenthood is not a hobby.

The New York Times

"Being creative is not a hobby.

The New York Times

He understands football is not a hobby.

The New York Times - Sports

Being a musician is not a hobby".

The New York Times

Gardening is not a hobby to me.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

For these people, collecting bobbleheads isn't a hobby.

The Washington Post

It was this book that taught me that writing isn't a hobby for me.

The Guardian - Books

Cats – well, if stroking cats isn't a hobby then I don't know what the world is coming to.

The Guardian - Opinion

This isn't a recent development, and it isn't a "hobby".

TechCrunch

It isn't a hobby, and it isn't a fly by the seat of your pants until you're successful.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is not a hobby" to emphasize the seriousness, dedication, or professional nature of an activity, distinguishing it from casual or recreational pursuits.

Common error

Avoid using "is not a hobby" when describing activities that are clearly hobbies, as this can undermine your credibility. Ensure the context genuinely reflects a serious commitment or professional endeavor.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not a hobby" functions as a declarative statement used to emphasize the serious nature of an activity, distinguishing it from leisure pursuits. Ludwig's examples illustrate how this phrase is used to convey dedication and commitment.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is not a hobby" serves to distinguish a serious commitment from a casual pastime. It's grammatically correct and frequently used, as affirmed by Ludwig, appearing primarily in News & Media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the context genuinely reflects dedication or professional endeavor, not just a trivial pursuit. Alternatives like "is a serious pursuit" can provide nuanced emphasis, depending on the message you aim to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is a serious pursuit

Emphasizes the dedication and effort involved, highlighting commitment rather than casual engagement.

is a dedicated profession

Focuses on the professional aspect, implying a career or vocation instead of a pastime.

is a full-time commitment

Highlights the time and energy investment, indicating a significant life focus.

is a matter of survival

Implies a necessity or critical importance beyond recreational interest.

is an essential undertaking

Stresses the fundamental nature of the activity, suggesting it's indispensable.

is a professional endeavor

Highlights the professional and business-oriented nature of the activity.

is a vital component

Indicates that the activity is an important part of a larger system or process.

is a central focus

Emphasizes the importance of the activity as a primary point of attention.

is an integral part

Highlights the role of the activity as a necessary and integrated element.

is a strategic imperative

Highlights the strategic and critical nature of the activity for achieving specific goals.

FAQs

How can I use "is not a hobby" in a sentence?

You can use "is not a hobby" to emphasize the seriousness of an activity or commitment. For example, "For me, writing "is not a hobby"; it's my profession."

What's a good alternative to saying "is not a hobby"?

Alternatives include phrases like "is a serious pursuit", "is a full-time commitment", or "is a dedicated profession", depending on the context you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "is not a hobby"?

Use it when you want to differentiate between something taken casually and something approached with significant dedication, skill, or professional intent.

What is the implication of saying something "is not a hobby"?

Saying something "is not a hobby" implies that it requires a higher level of commitment, skill, or seriousness, often suggesting it's a profession, obligation, or crucial endeavor.