spends his time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "spends his time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe how someone allocates their time to various activities or tasks. Example: "He spends his time volunteering at the local shelter every weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Now he spends his time waiting.

The New York Times

He spends his time actually building things.

The Guardian - Opinion

He spends his time flying jets.

The New York Times

Maybe he spends his time doing sudoku.

The New York Times - Magazine

He stops work and spends his time making love.

The New Yorker

Instead he spends his time thinking about conservation.

The Economist

Mr. van Niekerk spends his time filling out job applications.

The New York Times

"He spends his time thinking how to build a new Syria.

The New York Times

When he's not driving badly, Chris spends his time tailoring suits on Savile Row.

Independent

"You're asking an 89-year-old man how he spends his time?" he quips.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

He spent his time on PlayStation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's activities, consider using specific verbs that reflect the nature of their time allocation. For example, use "volunteers his time" to emphasize charitable work or "invests his time" to highlight activities with potential future benefits.

Common error

Avoid using overly generic verbs like "does" or "works on" when you can use more descriptive alternatives like "develops", "creates", or "manages" to provide a clearer picture of how he "spends his time".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spends his time" functions as a verbal phrase that describes the allocation of someone's time. It connects a subject (he) to a description of their activities, as demonstrated by Ludwig. It often introduces what someone does regularly or habitually.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "spends his time" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe how someone allocates their time. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While alternatives like "devotes his time" or "occupies his time" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. When writing, ensure you use specific verbs to illustrate the nature of the activity, and avoid overly generic verbs that provide little detail. The phrase is versatile and serves to inform the audience about a person's activities and habits, making it a valuable tool in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

devotes his time

Emphasizes dedication and commitment, suggesting a more focused allocation of time.

dedicates his time

Similar to "devotes his time", highlighting a purposeful allocation of time to a specific activity.

occupies his time

Focuses on filling time with activity, without necessarily implying productivity or purpose.

fills his time

Similar to "occupies his time", but may suggest a less structured or purposeful use of time.

invests his time

Implies an expectation of future benefit or return from the activities undertaken.

allocates his time

Suggests a deliberate and planned distribution of time among different activities.

uses his time

A general alternative, simply stating that time is being used, without specifying the purpose.

passes his time

Implies a leisurely or casual use of time, often without a specific goal.

allots his time

Similar to allocates, but may suggest a more formal and structured distribution of time.

employs his time

Suggests a practical and efficient use of time, often in a work-related context.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "spends his time"?

You can use alternatives like "devotes his time", "dedicates his time", or "occupies his time" depending on the context.

How can I use "spends his time" in a sentence?

The phrase "spends his time" is used to describe how someone allocates their time to various activities. For example: "He spends his time volunteering at the local shelter every weekend."

Is it correct to say "sends his time" instead of "spends his time"?

While "sends his time" might be understood, it is not a standard or common expression. "Spends his time" is the correct and more widely accepted phrase.

What is the difference between "spends his time" and "wastes his time"?

"Spends his time" is a neutral statement about how someone uses their time. "Wastes his time" implies that the time is being used in an unproductive or undesirable way.