killing time

USAGE SUMMARY

"killing time" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe the action of spending time doing something boring or unproductive because there is nothing else to do. For example, "I was just killing time by surfing the internet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It's killing time", seemingly unaware of any double meaning.

The Guardian - Tech

I edited a series of shots, killing time.

The New Yorker

Which is not saying that killing time is wrong, if that's what you want.

The Guardian - Tech

Each game finished off inside 20 minutes, the other 70 nothing more than killing time.

The New York Times - Sports

Seriously though, it's not just about killing time.

TechCrunch

Actually, this is the most fun I've ever had killing time!

BBC

Half the time you seem to be on your own and you're sort of killing time".

BBC

He also describes how for some time he felt directionless and unsettled: he was "killing time".

SEP

Boris was just making conversation and killing time while smoking.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

They are waiting, belly to the ground, like cats at pig-killing time, hoping for scraps".

The New York Times - Books

16 1 *KILLING TIME, by Caleb Carr.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "killing time", consider the connotation. It can imply boredom or a lack of purpose, so choose it carefully when describing activities that are intended to be enjoyable or productive.

Common error

Avoid using "killing time" when describing activities that are fulfilling or have a clear purpose. It's better suited for situations where you're simply trying to make time pass.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "killing time" is that of a gerund phrase acting as a noun, often serving as the object of a preposition or as a subject complement. Ludwig examples show it functioning as a description of an activity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "killing time" is a grammatically sound and frequently used gerund phrase that describes the act of occupying oneself during periods of inactivity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid expression in English. While broadly applicable across various registers, it's important to be mindful of the connotation, which often suggests boredom or a lack of purpose. When choosing an alternative, consider the specific context and desired nuance; phrases like ""passing time"" or ""occupying oneself"" may be more appropriate in formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

passing time

Focuses on the act of making time go by, emphasizing the process rather than the potential boredom.

whiling away the hours

Implies a more leisurely and relaxed approach to spending time, often with pleasant activities.

occupying oneself

Highlights the act of engaging in an activity to avoid boredom, without necessarily implying a lack of purpose.

biding one's time

Suggests waiting patiently for an opportunity, using the time to prepare or observe.

filling in time

Emphasizes using time to complete a task or activity until something else becomes available.

marking time

Conveys a sense of stagnation or lack of progress, simply going through the motions.

numbing the boredom

Focuses on alleviating the feeling of boredom rather than actively engaging in an activity.

diverting oneself

Implies seeking entertainment or distraction to avoid boredom or unpleasant thoughts.

entertaining oneself

Focuses on finding amusement or enjoyment to make time pass more pleasantly.

keeping busy

Suggests engaging in activities to avoid idleness, often with a focus on productivity or purpose.

FAQs

How can I use "killing time" in a sentence?

You can use "killing time" to describe doing something to occupy yourself while waiting for something else to happen. For example, "I was "killing time" by reading a book at the airport."

What are some alternatives to "killing time"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "passing time", "whiling away the hours", or "occupying oneself".

Is it appropriate to use "killing time" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "killing time" may be too informal for some formal contexts. Consider using a more neutral alternative like "spending time" or "occupying oneself" in such situations.

What's the difference between "killing time" and "wasting time"?

"Killing time" generally implies doing something to avoid boredom while waiting, while "wasting time" suggests using time in an unproductive or frivolous manner. "Wasting time" often carries a more negative connotation.