spend time on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "spend time on" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to dedicating time to a specific activity, task, or person. Example: "I like to spend time on my hobbies during the weekends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Spend time on leadership.

Harvard Business Review

Spend time on the results.

The Guardian

Spend time on defining your objective.

Yale University

So I spend time on myself".

The New York Times

They might even spend time on the assembly line".

The New York Times

But do business travellers actually spend time on Club Africa?

The Economist

Spend time on Fourth Street here in downtown.

The New York Times

I want to spend time on photo safari.

The New York Times

"I need to spend time on the court.

The New York Times - Sports

He added, "It's a funny argument to spend time on.

The New Yorker

Spend time on your strengths, not your weaknesses.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "spend time on", ensure the object of the preposition 'on' is specific and clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "spend time on things", specify "spend time on important projects".

Common error

Avoid vague statements like "I need to spend time on things." Be specific about what you are allocating time to: "I need to "spend time on" revising my essay and preparing for the presentation."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spend time on" functions as a verb phrase followed by a preposition, indicating the allocation or investment of time towards a specific activity, subject, or person. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Wiki

28%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

7%

Academia

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "spend time on" is a versatile and commonly used expression to denote the allocation of time and effort towards a particular activity or subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's considered grammatically correct and appropriate for use in various contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, Wiki, and Formal & Business settings, "spend time on" serves to emphasize the commitment of time to specific endeavors. When using this phrase, clarity and specificity are key to avoiding vagueness. Remember to specify what you're allocating your time to for effective communication. Consider alternatives like "dedicate time to", "invest time in", or "allocate time to" to refine your writing further.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dedicate time to

Emphasizes a deliberate commitment of time to a specific purpose.

invest time in

Highlights the potential return or benefit from the time spent.

allocate time to

Suggests a formal or structured distribution of time.

devote time to

Implies a strong sense of dedication and commitment.

make time for

Focuses on creating or finding time within a busy schedule.

set aside time for

Suggests reserving specific periods for a particular activity.

give time to

Highlights the act of offering or contributing time.

focus on

Emphasizes concentration and prioritization, not necessarily the act of spending time.

concentrate on

Similar to focus on, highlighting mental effort and attention.

be occupied with

Focuses on the state of being busy or engaged with something.

FAQs

How can I use "spend time on" in a sentence?

Use "spend time on" to describe dedicating effort to something. For instance, "I like to "spend time on" my hobbies during the weekends."

What are some alternatives to "spend time on"?

You can use alternatives like "dedicate time to", "invest time in", or "allocate time to" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "spend time on" or "spend time in"?

"Spend time on" is generally used when referring to activities or tasks, whereas "spend time in" is used when referring to locations. For example, you might "spend time on" a project, but "spend time in" the library.

What's the difference between "spend time on" and "focus on"?

"Spend time on" refers to allocating time to something, while "focus on" emphasizes concentration or prioritization. You can "spend time on" a task without necessarily focusing intently, and you can "focus on" a task without spending a significant amount of time.