Meaning
To use a period of time doing a particular activity.
Cultural Background
Time is highly commodified. 'Spending time' is often linked to productivity or 'quality time' with family, reflecting a work-hard, play-hard ethic. Similar to the US, but 'spending time' can also be used in a self-deprecating way to describe doing nothing ('spending time puttering around'). While the English phrase is used, the cultural concept of 'spending time' often involves 'Ma' (negative space/silence), which might feel like 'wasting time' to some Westerners. The concept of 'spending time' is less about the clock and more about the 'Piazza' culture—being seen and interacting without a set end time.
The -ing Rule
Always follow 'spend time' with a verb ending in -ing. It's the #1 mistake learners make!
Avoid 'Pass'
Don't say 'pass time' when you mean you enjoyed yourself. It sounds like you were bored.
Meaning
To use a period of time doing a particular activity.
The -ing Rule
Always follow 'spend time' with a verb ending in -ing. It's the #1 mistake learners make!
Avoid 'Pass'
Don't say 'pass time' when you mean you enjoyed yourself. It sounds like you were bored.
Quality over Quantity
In English, saying 'I want to spend time with you' is a very kind and serious thing to say to a friend or partner.
Past Tense
Remember the past tense is 'spent' with a 't'. 'I spent all day working.'
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the verb.
I spend three hours ____ (study) every night.
After 'spend time,' we always use the -ing form of the verb.
Which sentence is correct?
Choose the natural English sentence:
'Spend time with' is the standard collocation for social activities.
Match the 'spend time' phrase with the correct category.
Match these:
These are the four most common contexts for using the phrase.
Fill in the missing word.
A: How was your trip? B: Great! We ____ four days in Rome.
'Spent' is the past tense of 'spend' and is used for durations in travel.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Spend vs. Pass
Practice Bank
4 exercisesI spend three hours ____ (study) every night.
After 'spend time,' we always use the -ing form of the verb.
Choose the natural English sentence:
'Spend time with' is the standard collocation for social activities.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the four most common contexts for using the phrase.
A: How was your trip? B: Great! We ____ four days in Rome.
'Spent' is the past tense of 'spend' and is used for durations in travel.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsNo, that is incorrect. You should say 'I spend time reading.'
'Spend time' is intentional and usually positive. 'Pass time' is for waiting or when you have nothing else to do.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or with your best friend.
Yes! You can say 'I like to spend time alone' or 'I spend time by myself.'
It means time where you give someone your full attention, usually to improve a relationship.
Yes, 'spent' is the irregular past tense and past participle of 'spend.'
Yes, 'spend time on [noun]' is a very common and correct pattern.
You can say, 'Would you like to spend some time together this weekend?'
No, it's a way to describe doing a hobby. For example: 'I spend time painting.'
Yes, for example: 'I spent the summer in Italy.'
No, it's a metaphor. You are using your hours, not your dollars.
The opposite is 'wasting time.'
Related Phrases
Waste time
contrastTo use time poorly or on useless things.
Save time
similarTo do something faster to have more time later.
Kill time
similarTo do something just to make time pass faster while waiting.
Take your time
builds onTo not hurry.
Quality time
specialized formTime dedicated to a person to strengthen a bond.
