spending time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "spending time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of engaging in activities or being with someone for a period of time. Example: "I enjoy spending time with my family during the holidays."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's just spending time.

The New Yorker

— Spending time alone sparks creativity.

Independent

Spending time together.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Harman enjoyed spending time with the kids.

The New Yorker

"We've always loved spending time together.

The New York Times - Magazine

And I loved spending time with him.

The New York Times

Thanks for spending time with me.

The New Yorker

- actually enjoy spending time with his partner.

Independent

Interests Cycling, walking, spending time with family.

The Guardian

And that's worth spending time on.

The Guardian

She enjoys spending time with their parents.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing how you allocate time, be specific about the activity and the purpose. For example, instead of "spending time", try "spending time studying for exams".

Common error

Don't use "spending time" without clarifying what you're spending time on. Vague statements like "I'm spending time" can lack impact. Specify the activity to provide context and meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spending time" functions as a gerund phrase, often serving as a noun. It indicates the action of dedicating time to something. Ludwig provides examples showing its common usage across various contexts, from news articles to personal reflections.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

33%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "spending time" is a common and versatile gerund phrase used to describe how one allocates their time. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically sound and widely accepted in various contexts. To maximize clarity and impact, specify what you are "spending time" on. While alternatives like "devoting time" or "investing time" offer nuanced shades of meaning, "spending time" serves as a generally applicable and easily understood expression. Its prevalence across news, wikis, and scientific sources highlights its broad applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

devoting time

Emphasizes the allocation of time for a specific purpose or activity, suggesting a conscious decision to dedicate oneself.

investing time

Highlights the potential return or benefit gained from allocating time, often implying a long-term perspective.

allocating time

Focuses on the distribution or management of time among different activities or priorities, suggesting a structured approach.

making time

Highlights the effort required to find or create time for something, suggesting a prioritization of activities.

taking time

Emphasizes the act of setting aside time, often to accomplish a task or enjoy an experience.

enjoying time

Focuses on the pleasurable aspect of spending time, emphasizing relaxation and enjoyment.

passing time

Implies a more leisurely or casual approach to spending time, often without a specific goal or purpose.

whiling away the hours

Suggests a relaxed and unhurried way of spending time, often in a pleasant or enjoyable manner.

sharing moments

Highlights the experience of spending time together with other people, particularly experiencing some significant things.

occupying oneself

Suggests engaging in activities to fill time and prevent boredom, often implying a lack of specific purpose.

FAQs

How can I use "spending time" in a sentence?

You can use "spending time" to describe dedicating time to a person, activity, or project. For example, "I enjoy spending time with my family", or "That's what we're spending time on".

What are some alternatives to "spending time"?

Alternatives include "devoting time", "investing time", or "allocating time", depending on the context. Each emphasizes a slightly different aspect of time usage.

Is it correct to say "spend time" instead of "spending time"?

Both are grammatically correct, but they function differently. "Spend time" is an imperative or infinitive form, while "spending time" is a gerund phrase. You might say, "I need to spend time on this", or "I enjoy spending time on this".

What is the difference between "spending time" and "passing time"?

"Spending time" generally implies engaging in an activity or being with someone purposefully. "Passing time", on the other hand, suggests a more casual or aimless way of using time, often to alleviate boredom.