spend time with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "spend time with" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of being in the company of someone or engaging in activities together. Example: "I love to spend time with my family during the holidays."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Spend time with kids.

WikiHow

Spend time with him.

WikiHow

Spend time with them.

Science Magazine

Spend time with dogs.

WikiHow

Spend time with others.

WikiHow

Spend time with people.

WikiHow

Spend time with pets.

WikiHow

Spend time with her.

WikiHow

Spend time with animals.

WikiHow

Spend time with family.

WikiHow

Spend time with children.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "spend time with", be specific about the purpose or activity involved to provide context and clarity. For example, "spend time with family playing board games" is more informative than simply "spend time with family".

Common error

While "spend time with" is perfectly acceptable, avoid overuse in formal writing. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "dedicate time to" or "invest time in" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spend time with" functions as a verb phrase, typically acting as the predicate in a sentence. According to Ludwig, it describes the action of being in someone's company or engaging in activities together. It's a common way to express how one allocates their time and with whom.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "spend time with" is a very common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe being in the company of someone or engaging in activities together. While Ludwig confirms its usability, its register leans towards informal contexts, primarily appearing in WikiHow examples. For more formal settings, consider alternatives such as "dedicate time to". Remember to be specific about the activity when using the phrase to provide clearer context. Overall, it's a versatile phrase for expressing companionship and connection.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be with

A simpler, more direct way of saying "spend time with", often implying presence and support.

hang out with

A more informal way to describe spending time with someone, suggesting a casual social interaction.

make time for

Implies prioritizing someone or something in a busy schedule.

visit with

Implies a planned or intentional meeting for the purpose of spending time together.

dedicate time to

Emphasizes a commitment to allocate time for a specific purpose or person.

share moments with

Emphasizes the quality and significance of the time spent together.

invest time in

Suggests that spending time will yield a positive return or strengthen a relationship.

connect with

Focuses on establishing or strengthening an emotional bond through shared time.

enjoy the company of

Focuses on the pleasure derived from spending time with someone.

socialize with

Highlights the social aspect of spending time with others.

FAQs

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

You can use "spend time with" to describe engaging in activities with someone or something. For instance, "I enjoy to "spend time with" my family on weekends" or "She likes to "spend time with" her pets after work".

What are some alternatives to "spend time with"?

Alternatives include "hang out with", "make time for", or "dedicate time to", depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "spent time with"?

Yes, "spent time with" is the past tense form of "spend time with" and is grammatically correct. For example, "I "spent time with" my friends yesterday".

What's the difference between "spend time with" and "waste time with"?

"Spend time with" implies a positive or neutral experience, while "waste time with" suggests that the time was not used effectively or enjoyably. For instance, "I "spend time with" my family" is positive, but "I wasted time with him arguing" is negative.