Are you ever unsure of which preposition to use when referring to spare time activities? Do you find yourself asking if it should be ‘in my spare time’ or ‘on my spare time’?
Don’t worry, this article will help answer that question and provide tips for proper usage.
Read on to learn the difference between the two, examples of how they are used in sentences, and common grammatical errors to avoid.
Key Takeaways
- Spare time is defined as the hours of the day not taken up by work or obligations.
- It is important to have spare time as it allows us to pursue hobbies, interests, and relaxation activities.
- The phrase ‘in my spare time’ is used to describe an activity within an unspecified period of time, while ‘on my spare time’ is used to designate a specific day.
- It is crucial to use the correct preposition (‘in’ or ‘on’) when discussing spare time to accurately convey the intended meaning.
Definition of Spare Time
Spare time is the hours of the day that aren’t taken up by work or other obligations. It’s the free time you have to do whatever you please with.
It’s a break from your daily responsibilities and allows us to pursue hobbies, interests, relaxation activities, and even plan for our future. Spare time can also be used to catch up on sleep or simply take some moments for yourself in order to recharge.
While there are endless possibilities for what you can do with your spare time, it’s important to remember that this valuable resource should not be wasted.
What Is the Difference Between “In” and “On”
You generally use ‘in’ with a period of time and ‘on’ with a specific date or day.
For example, you might say ‘I went out for dinner in my spare time’ to denote that you went out during an unspecified period of time within the last few weeks or months.
On the other hand, if you wanted to be more specific about when you went out, you could say ‘I went out for dinner on my spare time last Saturday.’ In this sentence, ‘last Saturday’ indicates that your outing occurred on a particular day.
Additionally, ‘spare time’ denotes an activity that was not part of your usual schedule but something done for leisure or enjoyment.
Examples of Usage in Sentences
When you have some free time, you can use ‘in’ to describe a period of time and ‘on’ to designate a specific day.
For example, if you want to say that you spend your spare time playing board games, then the correct phrase is ‘In my spare time’.
On the other hand, if you want to say that last week you spent your free time on Saturday playing video games, then the correct phrase is ‘On my spare time’.
In both cases, the context determines which word is used in order to convey precisely what one means.
When writing or speaking about periods of leisure or relaxation, it is important to be accurate in choosing either ‘in’ or ‘on’.
Common Grammatical Errors
Many people incorrectly use ‘in’ and ‘on’ when speaking or writing about periods of leisure or relaxation, so it’s important to be mindful of the difference.
Grammatically, ‘in my spare time’ is the correct phrase; however, many people mistakenly use ‘on my spare time’. This error can easily slip into casual conversations and written work without much thought.
Here are a few common mistakes:
- Confusing ‘in’ with ‘on’
- Omitting the word ‘my’
- Pluralizing the phrase by saying ‘in our spare times’ instead
It’s important to understand and remember that there should not be any confusion between these two phrases. Using them correctly will show your audience your understanding of proper grammar.
Additionally, when in doubt about which phrase to use, think of it this way: if you were talking about an actual period of time – like a Sunday afternoon – you would say ‘I’m going to spend Sunday afternoon in my free time.’
Tips for Proper Usage
To ensure proper usage, remember to always use ‘in’ rather than ‘on’ when talking about periods of leisure or relaxation. This is because ‘in’ implies you are actively engaging in something while ‘on’ suggests that it’s a passive activity. For instance, if you were to say ‘I spend my spare time on reading,’ it would imply that you are simply observing the act of reading and not actually doing it yourself.
To avoid this, use the preposition “in” which conveys that you’re actively participating in an activity such as “reading.” Additionally, “in my spare time” is more commonly used than its alternative phrase “on my spare time” and therefore more likely to be understood by your listener or reader.
Therefore, make sure to choose the correct preposition when speaking about leisure activities for accurate communication!
Conclusion
It’s important to use the correct preposition when discussing spare time. If you’re wondering whether to say ‘in my spare time’ or ‘on my spare time’, always remember that ‘in’ is the correct usage.
While it may seem like a small difference, using the wrong preposition could change the meaning of your sentence. So, make sure you double-check your grammar and always opt for ‘in my spare time’.