we spend time

USAGE SUMMARY

"we spend time" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It can be used in a variety of contexts and tenses, depending on the meaning you are trying to convey. For example: 1. "We spend time together every Sunday, hiking in the mountains." (present tense) 2. "Last year, we spent time exploring ancient ruins in Greece." (past tense) 3. "I hope we will be able to spend time with our families during the holidays." (future tense) 4. "Do you think we should spend more time studying for the exam?" (modal verb) 5. "Even though we live in different cities, we still make an effort to spend time catching up on the phone." (gerund form) In all of these examples, "we spend time" is used to express an action or activity that is done by a group of people together. It can also be used to describe the amount of time that is dedicated to a certain activity or task. For example, "We spend a lot of time preparing for this event."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is how we spend time".

The New York Times

We spend time with other Chinese families in the area.

Princeton University

We spend time as a six quite often.

Independent

We spend time shooting them down, one at a time.

The New York Times

We spend time with our clients and talk to them.

The New Yorker

Identities of growth dictate who we spend time with.

Harvard Business Review

(Her) Seriously, when we spend time together and have a night in, we absolutely love it.

The New York Times

If we spend time renting cars and checking into airports, we lose out.

The New York Times

Why do we spend time in demanding virtual worlds that mimic the monotony of our jobs?

The New Yorker

"We don't really spend time with ourselves – we spend time with our phones.

Independent

It is not really a question we spend time dwelling on.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, consider the specific activity or purpose for which time is being spent. Providing context clarifies the meaning and impact of "we spend time".

Common error

Avoid using "we spend time" without specifying how the time is spent. Saying "we spend time" without further detail can be ambiguous and less informative for the reader. Always clarify the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we spend time" functions as a verb phrase within a sentence. It indicates the action of allocating or using time, often followed by a gerund or prepositional phrase specifying the activity. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is commonly used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

28%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Science

5%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we spend time" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that describes the allocation or utilization of time. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correctness and versatility. The phrase appears most commonly in News & Media and Academic contexts. When using the phrase, ensure you are providing context about how time is being spent to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "we allocate time" and "we dedicate time" can offer more formal or nuanced ways to express the concept. Overall, "we spend time" is a valuable addition to one's linguistic toolkit, adaptable across a broad spectrum of written and spoken communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we allocate time

Focuses on the deliberate act of assigning time to a specific purpose.

we devote time

Highlights the dedication and commitment of time to something.

we invest time

Emphasizes the expectation of a return or benefit from the time spent.

we dedicate time

Similar to 'devote', but can also imply setting aside time for a specific reason.

we make time

Implies creating opportunities to spend time, often overcoming obstacles.

we set aside time

Focuses on reserving a specific period for a particular activity.

we use time

A more general phrase for employing time in some way.

we fill time

Suggests occupying time with activities, often to avoid boredom.

we pass time

Implies spending time in a leisurely or casual manner.

we while away time

Similar to 'pass time', but often suggests a more relaxed or unproductive use of time.

FAQs

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

You can use "we spend time" to describe activities you do together, such as "We spend time hiking every weekend", or to indicate how time is allocated, such as "We spend time planning our vacations".

What's a more formal way to say "we spend time"?

In more formal contexts, consider alternatives like "we allocate time" or "we dedicate time", which suggest a more deliberate allocation of time.

What can I say instead of "we spend time" to emphasize enjoyment?

To emphasize enjoyment, you could use phrases like "we enjoy time" or "we have fun" depending on the context.

Is "we spend time" always used with a specific activity?

While it's often used with a specific activity, like "we spend time reading", it can also be used more generally to indicate simply being together, as in "We spend time together as a family".