leisure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "leisure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to free time or activities that one engages in for enjoyment and relaxation. Example: "During my leisure, I enjoy reading novels and going for long walks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Non-academic travel (£1,524) and leisure (£1,310) also account for a large proportion of their annual outgoings, while academic travel, trips and equipment cost students around £1,779 a year.

The Guardian

Now making a comeback as a low-impact alternative to running in leisure centres and gyms all over the country.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

At Portavadie, a remote promontory at the mouth of Loch Fyne, a £45m glass-fronted marina and leisure development is being built by the Bulloch family, a Scottish whisky dynasty.

The Guardian - Travel

He was kind enough to give Molby a copy of the tape afterwards so that he could recall it at his leisure at home.

The Guardian - Sport

The 700 defibrillators will be rolled out in the next month in rail and bus stations, airports, shopping centres and leisure centres.

The Guardian

(That was too tough to be called fun, let alone leisure. One of the animals had to pull out with an offside-elbow strain, but that's another story).

The Guardian - Travel

That could free money for food, clothing, bills, and perhaps even leisure and savings.

The Guardian

Next departure 3 December LARGE SHORT BREAK OPERATOR: HF HOLIDAYS 0845 470 8558, hfholidays.co.uk HF Holidays specialises in walking holidays but also offers a number of quirky leisure breaks to suit the most esoteric of hobbyists.

The Guardian - Travel

Brook Leisure, the national casino chain which is also based in Barnsley, said that its record should reassure anyone with worries.

The Guardian

Instead, set at the foot of Mount Ainslie (an elevation named after fake Scottish war hero, James Ainslie, that anchors the northern end of the land axis on the Griffins' plan of beautiful geometry and orbit) the casino was to feature a leisure park, al fresco cafes, a theatre and beer gardens.

The Guardian

When justifying a longer or more expensive commute, workers will generally seek higher wages in order to compensate for their loss of leisure time.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about work-life balance, contrasting work with "leisure" can effectively highlight the importance of time for relaxation and personal pursuits.

Common error

Avoid using "leisure" solely to refer to extravagant or expensive activities. While it can include these, "leisure" also encompasses simple and affordable ways to relax and enjoy oneself. Do not equate leisure with luxury.

Linguistic Context

The word "leisure" primarily functions as a noun, denoting either free time or the activities one engages in during that time. As evidenced by Ludwig and its examples, "leisure" can be used in various contexts, such as describing personal hobbies or broader industry sectors.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Travel

15%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Sport

9%

Lifestyle

9%

Books

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "leisure" is a versatile noun that refers to free time, or the activities done during free time, and is grammatically correct for use in written English. As Ludwig AI confirms, the term is quite common and applicable across various contexts, particularly in news, travel, and business-related content. To enhance clarity, you might also use "free time" or "spare time" depending on what you want to say. Remember, "leisure" is not only a luxury, but can be any simple way to relax and have fun.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

free time

Focuses specifically on the time aspect of being free from obligations.

spare time

Similar to "free time" but implies a smaller or less defined amount of time.

recreation

Emphasizes the activity aspect of enjoying oneself during free time.

relaxation

Highlights the unwinding and stress-free nature of leisure activities.

down time

Suggests a period of rest and recovery, often after a period of intense activity.

time off

Implies a break from work or other regular duties.

pastime

Refers to a specific activity done for enjoyment during leisure time.

amusement

Focuses on the fun and entertainment aspect of leisure activities.

rest and recreation

A more formal and comprehensive way to describe leisure and its benefits.

pleasure

Emphasizes the enjoyable and satisfying nature of leisure activities.

FAQs

How can I use "leisure" in a sentence?

You can use "leisure" to describe free time or activities you enjoy, such as: "During my leisure, I enjoy reading and hiking". Alternatively, it can refer to the state of being relaxed and unhurried: "They won at their "leisure"".

What are some synonyms for "leisure"?

Some synonyms for "leisure" include "free time", "spare time", "recreation", and "relaxation". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "leisure time"?

Yes, "leisure time" is a common and correct phrase that emphasizes the time aspect of leisure. It's synonymous with "free time" or "spare time".

What's the difference between "leisure" and "luxury"?

"Leisure" refers to free time and activities done for enjoyment, while "luxury" refers to expensive and opulent things. While luxury activities can be part of leisure, ""leisure"" itself doesn't necessarily involve luxury.