pastimes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pastimes" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to activities that someone enjoys doing in their leisure time. Example: "Reading novels and painting are two of my favorite pastimes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A display could also be created on the theme of what Britain has gained from immigrants in terms of music, food, literature, fashion, new customs and pastimes.

The Guardian

Trips to hostess bars are also among the pastimes now forbidden for those on so-called "livelihood assistance".

The Economist

Football is not the only vulnerable game; scandal has struck pastimes as obscure as handball.

The Economist

Each volunteer watched only one of the three types of video, but was shown several examples.In this section An ounce of prevention Space archaeology Total extrusion zone A handy tip Natural justice Reprints Related topics Games Poker Culture and lifestyle Hobbies and pastimes Card gamesAfter each viewing, volunteers were asked to rate the quality of the player's hand on a seven-point scale.

The Economist

ANTIQUE collecting is one of those genteel pastimes that seems particularly British.

The Economist

IT IS a curious irony that Europe, which often takes a dim view of market forces, lets them rip in sport, while America, usually the world's most enthusiastic exponent of commerce and its consequences for society, has all sorts of arrangements in place to mitigate its effects on the nation's favourite pastimes.

The Economist

As the community bettered itself, the backgrounds and pastimes moved upmarket.

The Economist

Yet chess and bridge enthusiasts are lobbying to have their pastimes reclassified as sports, and have persuaded several MPs to support them.

The Economist

Thanks Wim.Simon JohnstonBelfastAmerica's wind powerSIR – You bemoan America's lack of alternatives to reliance on oil ("A dangerous addiction", December 15th) while in the same issue ("In the Great American Desert") pointing to the lack of economically viable pastimes for the dwindling number of inhabitants in the Great-Plains states.

The Economist

Football's place alongside more traditional American pastimes would seem assured.But when it comes to a professional league of their own, Americans remain blissfully indifferent to this variety of football.

The Economist

Americans, not always known for their patience, seem to prefer more gratification that is, more scoring from their pastimes.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about a variety of leisure activities, use "pastimes" to collectively refer to them in a general and slightly formal tone.

Common error

Avoid using "pastimes" in very casual conversations or informal writing. Alternatives like "hobbies" or "things I like to do" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "pastimes" is as a noun, specifically the plural form of "pastime". It denotes activities engaged in for pleasure or recreation. Ludwig examples show its usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

24%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "pastimes" functions as a plural noun, denoting activities pursued for enjoyment or recreation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, with a very high frequency of occurrence in news and media and encyclopedic contexts. While grammatically sound, "pastimes" carries a slightly formal tone, making alternatives like "hobbies" more suitable for casual conversations. Common errors involve overuse in informal settings. Consider contexts such as "leisure activities", "recreational activities" or "spare time activities".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

leisure activities

Replaces "pastimes" with a more formal and general term for activities done during free time.

recreational activities

Similar to "pastimes", but emphasizes the refreshing and rejuvenating aspect of the activities.

hobbies and interests

Breaks down "pastimes" into two related concepts: hobbies (regular activities) and interests (things that one enjoys).

spare time activities

Focuses on the fact that these activities are done in one's spare time.

favorite activities

Emphasizes that these activities are personally enjoyed and preferred.

amusements

A slightly more old-fashioned term for activities that provide enjoyment or diversion.

recreations

A more formal synonym for "pastimes", suggesting activities done for relaxation and enjoyment.

diversions

Highlights the aspect of "pastimes" as something that distracts from work or worries.

pursuits

Emphasizes the active seeking and engagement in these activities.

leisure pursuits

Combines the concepts of leisure and active engagement, similar to "pastimes".

FAQs

What does "pastimes" mean?

"Pastimes" refers to activities that someone enjoys doing during their free time for relaxation or pleasure. They are essentially hobbies or leisure activities.

How can I use "pastimes" in a sentence?

You can use "pastimes" to describe a range of leisure activities. For example, "Reading and gardening are two of my favorite "pastimes"".

What are some alternatives to "pastimes"?

Alternatives to "pastimes" include "hobbies", "interests", "leisure activities", and "recreational activities", depending on the context.

Is "pastimes" formal or informal?

"Pastimes" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal term. In very casual settings, words like "hobbies" or "things I enjoy doing" might be more fitting.