my hobbies

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "my hobbies" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing your interests or activities that you take pleasure in. For example, "I love playing the piano and reading in my spare time; those are my hobbies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Are my hobbies unusual?

The Guardian

Not one of my hobbies.

The Guardian - Travel

I'm just working through my hobbies".

The Guardian

I love gardening and that is one of my hobbies".

Independent

"You're not my boss, you're one of my hobbies".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

One of my hobbies in past years was tightrope walking".

The New Yorker

JESSE EISENBERG People ask me what my hobbies are in interviews, and I always say biking.

The New York Times

"One of my hobbies, which I was telling you about," she said.

The New Yorker

He puts up with my hobbies and I put up with his.

The New York Times

My hobbies include music composition, choral singing, typography, bread baking, the Talmud and, of course, puzzles.

The New York Times

What I really wanted was to get paid for my hobbies: writing, gardening and politics.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing your hobbies in a professional context, such as a resume or interview, choose hobbies that demonstrate desirable qualities like creativity, problem-solving, or teamwork.

Common error

Avoid listing hobbies that are controversial, too personal, or completely irrelevant to the context. Focus on hobbies that add value to your overall profile.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "my hobbies" functions as a noun phrase that identifies activities that the speaker enjoys and engages in regularly. Ludwig indicates that it is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

12%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "my hobbies" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe one's personal interests and recreational activities. Ludwig's analysis confirms its validity and widespread use. While generally neutral in register, the specific activities listed as hobbies can influence the overall formality. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media contexts, followed by Science, and Wiki sources, highlighting its broad applicability across different domains. Understanding the nuances of this phrase can aid in effective communication, especially in professional or social settings where sharing personal interests is common. Remember to choose hobbies that add value to your overall profile, avoid irrelevant sharing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

my pastimes

Replaces "hobbies" with a synonym, emphasizing activities done for enjoyment in one's free time. It's slightly more formal.

my recreational activities

This phrase is more formal and emphasizes the activities' purpose as recreation.

my leisure pursuits

A more sophisticated alternative to "my hobbies", suitable for formal contexts.

what I enjoy doing in my free time

This is a descriptive alternative that emphasizes the enjoyment aspect.

what I like to do for fun

A more informal way of expressing personal interests and leisure activities.

my areas of interest

Focuses on general interests rather than specific activities. Broader scope.

my favorite activities

Highlights activities that are most liked, which may or may not be hobbies.

my passions

Emphasizes strong enthusiasm and dedication, suggesting a deeper involvement than just hobbies.

my side interests

Implies that the interests are secondary to one's main activities or profession.

how I spend my downtime

Focuses on the use of leisure time, rather than the activities themselves.

FAQs

How do I effectively describe "my hobbies" in a job interview?

Choose hobbies that showcase relevant skills or personality traits valued in the workplace, such as teamwork, creativity, or problem-solving. Be prepared to discuss how these hobbies have positively influenced your personal or professional development.

What's the difference between "my hobbies" and "my interests"?

"My hobbies" typically refer to activities you actively engage in regularly for enjoyment, while "my interests" can encompass broader areas of curiosity or study, even if you don't actively participate in them.

Is it appropriate to include "my hobbies" on a resume?

Yes, including "my hobbies" can add a personal touch and showcase well-roundedness, especially if they align with the job requirements or company culture. However, prioritize relevant information and avoid listing controversial or overly personal hobbies.

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "my hobbies"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "my pastimes", "my recreational activities", or "my leisure pursuits" to convey a similar meaning with varying degrees of formality.