spend time
/spend taɪm/
Meaning
This expression means to pass or use time doing a particular activity or being in a specific place. It is a very common, neutral phrase used in all levels of English. It is often followed by a gerund (verb+ing) or the preposition 'with'.
Examples
-
I love to spend time reading books on rainy Sunday afternoons.
I love to spend time reading books on rainy Sunday afternoons.
-
How much time do you spend commuting to work every day?
How much time do you spend commuting to work every day?
-
She wants to spend more time with her family this summer.
She wants to spend more time with her family this summer.
-
We spent hours trying to solve the puzzle but eventually gave up.
We spent hours trying to solve the puzzle but eventually gave up.
-
They spent some time in Paris last year to improve their French.
They spent some time in Paris last year to improve their French.
Common Mistakes
-
✗ I passed three hours playing video games yesterday.
✓ I spent three hours playing video games yesterday.
In English, we 'spend' time on activities. 'Pass time' is typically used when you are just waiting and trying to make time go faster.
-
✗ He spends a lot of time to study English.
✓ He spends a lot of time studying English.
After 'spend time', use the gerund form (verb-ing) of the action, not the infinitive (to + verb).
Related Expressions
Practice
-
I want to ___ with my friends this weekend.
💡 use my free hours to be with
Show answer
spend time
-
How do you usually ___ your summer holidays?
💡 pass or use (time)
Show answer
spend