spare time for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "spare time for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you have limited time and need to prioritize tasks. For example, "I'm running out of time, so I have to make sure I spare time for the most important tasks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

In her spare time, for dissipation, she dissected".

The New York Times - Books

According to conventional scientific wisdom, researchers cannot spare time for public involvement, much less public service.

The New York Times - Science

My father had worked on it in his spare time for the whole of his adult life.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Vibe was created by Hazem Sayed, a 53-year-old New York business consultant who has been working on mobile applications in his spare time for years.

The New York Times

With company approval, but no budget, he built it in his spare time for the princely sum of $120 spent mostly on scanning graphics at Kinko's.

The Economist

But some people can't use all their free periods and spare time for revision; they have to rush off to part-time jobs.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

(Also see "Funk It Up About Nothin'," in Spare Times for Children).

The New York Times - Arts

A theater entry in the Spare Times for Children listing of Weekend on Friday for "The Big Stew," at the Atlantic Theater in Chelsea, misstated the telephone number.

The New York Times

An events entry in the Spare Times for Children listing of Weekend yesterday included an outdated reference to an event at Makor on West 67th Street.

The New York Times

And since the New York International Children's Film Festival is also continuing (see Spare Times for Children), no one can complain of a lack of good family movies.

The New York Times

WEEKEND An entry in the Spare Times for Children listings in some editions on Friday about a concert by Hot Peas 'N Butter at the Jewish Museum in Manhattan on Sunday, using information from the museum, misstated the time.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "spare time for", ensure you clearly indicate what you are allocating time to. For example, instead of just saying "I have spare time", specify "I have spare time for reading".

Common error

Avoid overcommitting by assuming you have more "spare time for" activities than you realistically do. Accurately assess your existing commitments before scheduling new ones.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spare time for" functions as a verb phrase indicating the allocation or setting aside of available time for a specific purpose. This usage is confirmed by Ludwig, which provides numerous examples where the phrase is used to describe making time for activities or commitments.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Science

16%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "spare time for" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that indicates setting aside time for a specific purpose. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous real-world examples. It's versatile enough for neutral contexts, particularly in news and media, but also appears in scientific writing. Effective usage involves clearly specifying what the time is being allocated to and avoiding overestimation of available time. Alternatives like "make time for" or "find time for" can add nuance, but "spare time for" remains a straightforward and effective choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

free time for

Focuses on general free time rather than specifically allocating it.

available time for

Highlights the availability of time, rather than the act of setting it aside.

make time for

Emphasizes the effort to create time in a busy schedule.

find time for

Stresses the discovery of time, implying it might be difficult to locate.

set aside time for

Highlights the deliberate act of reserving time.

dedicate time to

Emphasizes commitment and focus on a specific activity.

allocate time to

Suggests a more formal or structured distribution of time.

have the opportunity for

Shifts the focus to having an opportunity due to available time.

manage to find time for

Highlights that there is an effort of finding time for a certain activity, but the time is available.

prioritize time for

Focuses on the act of prioritizing a task by finding some spare time.

FAQs

How can I effectively "spare time for" important tasks when my schedule is already full?

Try time-blocking to allocate specific slots in your calendar for those tasks. This helps you visualize your day and identify potential gaps where you can "make time for" what truly matters.

What's the difference between "spare time for" and "free time for"?

"Spare time for" suggests setting aside time from other activities, implying effort in creating it, whereas "free time for" refers to already available, unscheduled time.

Is it correct to say "I don't have any spare time for" or should I use another phrase?

Yes, "I don't have any spare time for" is perfectly correct. You can also say "I don't "have time for"" or "I'm too busy for" depending on the specific context.

How can I politely decline a request when I genuinely don't "spare time for" it?

Acknowledge the request, explain your current commitments prevent you from accepting it, and, if possible, suggest an alternative person or time. For instance, "I appreciate you asking, but I'm currently swamped. Perhaps contact [alternative person] or ask again next month when I might "find time for" it".