spend quality time

Meaning

This expression refers to dedicating time to loved ones (partners, family, or friends) where the focus is entirely on bonding and close interaction, rather than just being in the same room. It implies active engagement, deep conversation, or shared activities without distractions like phones or work. The tone is positive, valuing meaningful connection.

Examples

• We try to spend quality time together every weekend without our phones.

  We try to spend quality time together every weekend without our phones.

• He loves to spend quality time with his kids by reading to them at night.

  He loves to spend quality time with his kids by reading to them at night.

• Working long hours makes it hard to spend quality time with my partner.

  Working long hours makes it hard to spend quality time with my partner.

• They decided to go camping to spend some quality time as a family.

  They decided to go camping to spend some quality time as a family.

• I value the opportunity to spend quality time with my grandparents.

  I value the opportunity to spend quality time with my grandparents.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I want to pass quality time with you.

  ✓ I want to spend quality time with you.

  English uses the verb 'spend' with time. 'Pass time' means to occupy oneself while waiting, which lacks the active, meaningful connotation of 'spend quality time'.

• ✗ We spent a quality time at the park.

  ✓ We spent quality time at the park.

  'Quality time' is an uncountable noun phrase in this context, so it should not be preceded by the indefinite article 'a'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Instead of watching TV separately, we should ___.

  💡 Dedicate meaningful, focused attention to each other.

  Show answer

  spend quality time

• It's important for parents to ___ with their children.

  💡 Give undivided attention to build a stronger bond.

  Show answer

  spend quality time