pass the time

USAGE SUMMARY

'pass the time' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to spending time doing something, usually to pass the time in between other activities. For example, "We had some spare time, so we decided to pass the time by playing a game."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Anything to pass the time.

The New York Times - Arts

pass the time.

The New Yorker

A perfect way to pass the time".

The New York Times

We use it to pass the time.

The New York Times - Magazine

Some played dominoes to pass the time.

The New Yorker

They pass the time kissing & conversing.

The New Yorker

That's how I pass the time".

Independent

To pass the time, cards.

The New York Times

"It helped pass the time".

The Guardian

"I'm frankly here to pass the time.

The New Yorker

He drank to pass the time.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, consider the context and choose an activity that appropriately fills the time. For example, "To "pass the time" during the long flight, I read a book".

Common error

Avoid using "pass the time" when the activity is unproductive or regretful. "Wasting time" better describes unproductive activities. For example, instead of saying "I "passed the time" scrolling through social media", consider saying "I wasted time scrolling through social media".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pass the time" functions as a verb phrase, indicating an action taken to occupy oneself during a period. Ludwig provides examples showing various activities used to "pass the time", such as reading, playing games, or engaging in conversation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Wiki

30%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "pass the time" is a common and versatile expression used to describe engaging in activities to occupy oneself during a period. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts. With a neutral register, it seamlessly fits into news articles, general discussions, and instructional guides. The phrase appears most frequently in "News & Media" and "Wiki" sources. When using "pass the time", ensure the chosen activity aligns with the context and consider whether "wasting time" might be a more accurate descriptor if the activity is unproductive. By understanding its nuances and appropriate usage, you can effectively incorporate "pass the time" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

spend time

General term for engaging in activities over a period.

occupy oneself

Focuses on actively engaging in something to fill time.

distract oneself

Highlights diverting attention from boredom or unease.

while away the hours

Implies a relaxed and leisurely approach to spending time.

amuse oneself

Emphasizes the enjoyment derived from the activity used to fill time.

kill time

Suggests filling time with any activity, often when bored.

fill in time

Highlights using activities to make time go by faster.

get through time

Focuses on enduring or surviving a period.

use up time

Focuses on the consumption of time through different activities.

bide one's time

Indicates waiting patiently while doing something else.

FAQs

What activities help to "pass the time"?

Many activities can help you "pass the time", such as reading, playing games, listening to music, or engaging in hobbies. The best choice depends on your preferences and available resources.

What can I say instead of "pass the time"?

You can use alternatives like "spend time", "occupy oneself", or "while away the hours" depending on the specific context.

Is "passing the time" the same as "wasting time"?

While both involve spending time, "passing the time" usually refers to engaging in an activity to make time go by, whereas "wasting time" implies spending time unproductively or without purpose.

How to use "pass the time" in a sentence?

You can use "pass the time" in a sentence like, "Since the train was delayed, we decided to "pass the time" by playing cards".