while away the time

USAGE SUMMARY

"while away the time" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an idiomatic phrase that can be used as a verb meaning to pass or spend time in an enjoyable and often idle way. For example, "We decided to while away the afternoon at the park."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I couldn't just while away the time," her husband interjects.

The New York Times - Magazine

While away the time by examining the pub's impressive collection of antlers and assorted taxidermy.

The Guardian - Travel

While waiting for the entree, diners can while away the time deliciously.

The New York Times

What do people do to while away the time when they're at a ground and the heavens open?

The Guardian - Sport

Waiters bring mint tea and sweet pastries and you can while away the time admiring the ripening figs overhead.

The Guardian - Travel

To while away the time inside, Molina starts to share his memories of the films he has seen.

The Guardian - Books

Thousands — many shrouded in garbage bags for warmth — while away the time in line at 1,515 portable toilets.

The New York Times - Books

When their daughter was asleep Jack & Clare played a sort of game together to while away the time.

The New Yorker

To while away the time, the men play backgammon, drink tea together or help with chores at the church's school.

The New York Times

CAPTION: Peter Gray gets $10 an hour plus a bonus of perfect weather to while away the time.

The Washington Post

£30, Gift Library 2. Travel backgammon While away the time on long journeys with this great travel game for two people.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "while away the time" to suggest a pleasant or leisurely way of passing time. For example, "They decided to "while away the time" reading in the garden."

Common error

Avoid using "while away the time" when you want to emphasize productivity or efficiency. It's more appropriate for relaxed, enjoyable activities rather than tasks that need to be completed quickly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "while away the time" functions as a verb phrase. It describes the action of spending time in a leisurely or relaxed manner, often to avoid boredom or to enjoy free time. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "while away the time" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe spending time in a relaxed or leisurely manner. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, though it's best reserved for situations where the focus is on enjoyment rather than productivity. Predominantly found in news and media sources, the phrase conveys a sense of ease and unhurried activity. Consider alternatives like "pass the time" or "kill time" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pass the time

Focuses on the act of making time go by, similar to the original phrase.

kill time

Emphasizes filling time when one is bored or has nothing else to do.

spend time

A more general term for using time, which can be active or passive.

occupy oneself

Highlights engaging in an activity to keep busy.

amuse oneself

Focuses on entertaining oneself, often implying a pleasant experience.

divert oneself

Suggests distracting oneself from boredom or unpleasantness.

fill the hours

Specifically refers to making longer periods of time go by.

idle away the hours

Implies spending time doing nothing productive.

take one's leisure

Emphasizes enjoying free time in a relaxed way.

lounge around

Suggests relaxing and doing very little.

FAQs

How can I use "while away the time" in a sentence?

Use "while away the time" to describe spending time in a relaxed or leisurely manner. For instance, "We used travel backgammon to "while away the time" on long journeys."

What can I say instead of "while away the time"?

You can use alternatives like "pass the time", "kill time", or "spend time" depending on the context.

Is it formal to use "while away the time"?

"While away the time" is generally considered informal but acceptable in most contexts. It is suitable for everyday conversation and writing.

What's the difference between "while away the time" and "waste time"?

"While away the time" implies a pleasant or relaxed way of spending time, whereas "waste time" suggests using time in an unproductive or undesirable manner. The first has a positive connotation, the second negative.