spent the session

USAGE SUMMARY

"spent the session" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to describe the action of using a specific amount of time for a particular activity, event, or meeting. Example: The students spent the session discussing the causes of climate change and brainstorming solutions.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

She said she still didn't feel safe, so we spent the session going through safety planning techniques.

The Guardian

Mr. Medvedev, who spent the session scribbling notes, said he would not respond to the criticism "because it would not be humane," drawing laughs.

The New York Times

But the meeting was dominated by the raid and its aftermath, and the officials spent the session trying to assuage the fears of the packed audience who were concerned about a possible crackdown on other polygamist groups.

The New York Times

And when the psychiatrist met with him late on a Friday afternoon, they spent the session discussing the future, including the possibility that the young man could return to college.

The New York Times - Science

The defender Bruno Martins Indi, who is recovering from a concussion picked up in Holland's win over Australia, spent the session firing shots at the goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen and did not train with the rest of the team.

The Guardian - Sport

With an ATV Music publishing deal, he had apparently spent the session musicians' money on extra studio time, and becoming an adept guitarist and keyboard player as well as learning his way around a mixing desk.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

3. Leaders are sometimes defined by PMQs It's true: Brown, Cameron and Nick Clegg spend the session throwing rhetorical mud at each other.

The Guardian

Tony and I also befriend a cockapoo – a cocker spaniel and poodle mix – named Jasper who spends the session bounding in and out of the pool.

Independent

They spend the sessions with a specially trained preschool teacher – a rare opportunity, since most Roma families cannot afford to send their children to preschool.

Unicef

With the track at its worst in the opening 20 minutes, the drivers spent the entire session on the intermediate tyres.

Independent

A young woman had come to see us on her own, and spent the entire session complaining bitterly about all manner of faults in her husband.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "spent the session", ensure the activity that occupied the time is clearly stated to provide context and meaning. For example, "They spent the session analyzing the data."

Common error

Avoid using "spent the session" without specifying what was done. Saying "They spent the session" leaves the reader wondering what occurred during that time.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "spent the session" functions as a verb phrase indicating the use of time during a specific period or event. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and in common usage. It specifies how the time was utilized.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "spent the session" is a grammatically correct and useful phrase to describe how time was used during a particular event or meeting. Ludwig's AI analysis and example sentences show that it's frequently used in news and media, science, and formal business settings. While it's a versatile phrase, be sure to specify the activity that occupied the time to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "devoted the session to" or "dedicated the time to" can add nuance. By following these guidelines, you can use "spent the session" effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

devoted the session to

Emphasizes dedication and focus, suggesting a deliberate allocation of time.

dedicated the time to

Similar to "devoted the session to" but can apply to shorter blocks of time.

allocated the session to

More formal and structured, implying a planned distribution of time.

used the session for

A more general alternative, focusing on the purpose of the session.

filled the session with

Focuses on what constituted the time, suggesting a complete or near-complete use of the time.

invested the session in

Suggests that the time was used for something expected to yield a return or benefit.

occupied the session with

Highlights the activity that filled the session, often implying busyness.

employed the session in

A more formal and less common way of saying "used the session for."

passed the session

A simple and less formal way to indicate how the session was experienced.

consumed the session with

Implies that an activity or preoccupation took up a significant amount of the session's time.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "spent the session" in formal writing?

In formal writing, consider using more precise alternatives like "devoted the session to" or "allocated the session to" to convey a deliberate allocation of time.

Is it correct to say "wasted the session" instead of "spent the session"?

While grammatically correct, "wasted the session" carries a negative connotation, implying that the time was not used effectively or purposefully. Ensure this aligns with your intended meaning.

What's a more casual alternative to "spent the session"?

For informal contexts, you could use phrases like "passed the session" or simply describe what you did during the session without using "spent the session" at all.

How do I use "spent the session" to emphasize the activity's importance?

Combine "spent the session" with verbs that highlight significance, such as "invested the session in" or "dedicated the session to". This emphasizes the value placed on the activity.