Saying “in my spare time” is common, but using alternatives can help convey the same meaning with a bit more personality or flair. Finding fresh, creative ways to express yourself when you engage in activities outside of your main responsibilities can help make your communication sound more dynamic and natural.
Whether you’re talking about hobbies, leisure activities, or moments when you’re free, these alternatives will give you a variety of ways to share how you spend your time.
What Does “In My Spare Time” Mean?
The phrase “in my spare time” refers to when a person is not busy with work, responsibilities, or essential tasks. It describes how you choose to spend free moments, often on hobbies or personal interests. This is a casual way of talking about your activities when you’re not focused on work or other obligations. It usually implies something enjoyable, relaxing, or fulfilling. It can be used to describe everything from creative hobbies to downtime activities.
When to Use “In My Spare Time”
You can use “in my spare time” when you want to share what you do during the moments when you’re not working, taking care of daily tasks, or attending to other responsibilities. This phrase is perfect for casual conversations where you’re offering insight into your personal life, interests, or hobbies.
Is It Professional/Polite to Say “In My Spare Time”?
The phrase “in my spare time” can be appropriate in personal conversations at work or in interviews when discussing your hobbies, interests, or how you balance life. However, it may not be ideal in very formal or business-focused settings unless it’s relevant to your role or skills.
The phrase is polite, as it doesn’t imply anything rude or disrespectful. However, depending on context, there are often more professional ways to convey the same sentiment without focusing too much on “free time.”
Pros or Cons Of “In My Spare Time”
Pros:
- Easy to understand and widely recognized.
- Casual and friendly in tone, making it suitable for informal settings.
Cons:
- It can sound repetitive or overly simplistic if used too frequently.
- It might not be specific enough in contexts where you want to describe your activities more clearly or with more creativity.
In My Spare Time Synonyms:
- “When I’m Not Busy”
- “During My Free Time”
- “In My Leisure Time”
- “When I Have Some Downtime”
- “On My Days Off”
- “In My Time Away from Work”
- “When I’m Not Working”
- “After Hours”
- “During My Off-Time”
- “In My Unscheduled Hours”
- “When I’m Unoccupied”
- “On My Breaks”
- “In the Gap Between Tasks”
- “In My Rest Time”
- “During My Time”
- “On My Own Time”
- “When I’m Not Tied Up”
- “In My Quiet Moments”
- “In Between Responsibilities”
- “During My Time Off”
- “In the Few Free Hours I Have”
- “When I’m Not Engaged”
- “During My Unscheduled Time”
- On My Own Time”
- “In My Off-Hours”
- “In My Spare Moments”
- “Whenever I Can”
- “When I Find the Time”
- “When It’s Convenient”
- “When I’m Not Swamped”
- “During My Free Time”
- “In the Downtime”
- “In My Unwinding Time”
- “In My Quiet Hours”
- “When Time Allows”
“When I’m Not Busy”
Meaning:
This refers to the time when you’re not occupied with obligations.
Explanation:
A simple and versatile way to express free time.
Example:
“When I’m not busy with work, I love to read novels.”
Best Use:
Informal or casual settings.
Worst Ue:
When you want to focus on specific activities instead of just a broad statement.
Tone:
Casual, relaxed.
“During My Free Time”
Meaning:
The time when you’re not engaged in scheduled tasks or work.
Explanation:
This phrase emphasizes the idea of free, unstructured time.
Example:
“During my free time, I enjoy taking walks in the park.”
Best Use:
When you want to describe how you relax or unwind.
Worst Use:
In very formal settings.
Tone:
Neutral, straightforward.
“In My Leisure Time”
Meaning:
Refers to time when you are not working and can enjoy activities at your own pace.
Explanation:
This phrase is often used to refer to more leisurely activities or hobbies.
Example:
“In my leisure time, I enjoy cooking new recipes.”
Best Use:
When you want to describe hobbies that are relaxing or enriching.
Worst Use:
In fast-paced, professional settings.
Tone:
Slightly formal, and peaceful.
“When I Have Some Downtime”
Meaning:
Refers to moments when you have a break from your regular tasks.
Explanation:
A more informal way of expressing free time, especially in busy schedules.
Example:
“When I have some downtime, I like to binge-watch documentaries.”
Best Use:
In busy or professional settings when you want to express relaxation.
Worst Use:
In highly formal situations.
Tone:
Casual, friendly.
“On My Days Off”
Meaning:
Refers to days when you are not working, typically used in a job context.
Explanation:
This phrase implies taking a break from your work routine.
Example:
“On my days off, I enjoy going hiking.”
Best Use:
When you’re talking about specific days when you’re free from work.
Worst Use:
In casual settings where days off aren’t specifically relevant.
Tone:
Relaxed, direct.
“In My Time Away from Work”
Meaning:
Refers to times when you’re not engaged in professional responsibilities.
Explanation:
Used to highlight the time spent outside of your job.
Example:
“In my time away from work, I love gardening.”
Best Use:
When distinguishing between work time and personal activities.
Worst Use:
In conversations unrelated to work-life balance.
Tone:
Professional, straightforward.
“When I’m Not Working”
Meaning:
Simply refers to time not spent on professional duties.
Explanation:
A direct and clear way to state your free time is often used in work settings.
Example:
“When I’m not working, I enjoy practicing photography.”
Best Use:
When you’re referring to specific activities outside of your job.
Worst Use:
When you want a more varied or creative way of saying it.
Tone:
Casual, direct.
“After Hours”
Meaning:
Referring to time after the workday ends, when you are free.
Explanation:
Typically used in a professional context, it emphasizes time after work.
Example:
“After hours, I love catching up with friends over dinner.”
Best Use:
In work-related or professional settings.
Worst Use:
In casual conversations or with people who don’t work traditional hours.
Tone:
Slightly formal, and professional.
“During My Off-Time”
Meaning:
This refers to a break or period when you’re not actively engaged in work.
Explanation:
A way to express free time, especially in jobs with fluctuating hours.
Example:
“During my off-time, I like to read or try new recipes.”
Best Use:
In professional settings when discussing breaks between tasks or work shifts.
Worst Use:
In informal settings or casual conversations.
Tone:
Neutral, professional.
“In My Unscheduled Hours”
Meaning:
The time you spend doing activities that are not planned or dictated by a schedule.
Explanation:
This is a bit more formal, emphasizing unstructured free time.
Example:
“In my unscheduled hours, I try to focus on personal growth, like taking online courses.”
Best Use:
In professional contexts when talking about personal development or time management.
Worst Use:
When you want a more casual or natural-sounding phrase.
Tone:
Formal, structured.
“When I’m Unoccupied”
Meaning:
This refers to the time when you aren’t busy with any task.
Explanation:
A slightly more formal way of saying “free time.”
Example:
“When I’m unoccupied, I usually work on my art projects.”
Best Use:
In formal or professional conversations where time is often tightly scheduled.
Worst Use:
In casual settings or with friends.
Tone:
Formal, neutral.
“On My Breaks”
Meaning:
Refers to the short breaks or pauses you take during your workday or routine.
Explanation:
A casual and specific way to express how you spend time during breaks.
Example:
“On my breaks, I enjoy catching up on the news or reading a book.”
Best Use:
In workplace discussions or during a busy day.
Worst Use:
For long stretches of free time, like weekends or vacations.
Tone:
Casual, informal.
“In the Gap Between Tasks”
Meaning:
Refers to the small breaks or free time between other activities.
Explanation:
It’s useful when you want to express using time between responsibilities.
Example:
“In the gap between tasks, I like to get some fresh air and relax.”
Best Use:
When you have small breaks in between your day-to-day work.
Worst Use:
For large chunks of free time like vacations or weekends.
Tone:
Casual, practical.
“In My Rest Time”
Meaning:
Time is taken to rest and recuperate.
Explanation:
Often used when referring to downtime focused on recovery or relaxation.
Example:
“In my rest time, I try to meditate or take a nap.”
Best Use:
When talking about time used for relaxation or self-care.
Worst Use:
For times spent doing active hobbies or socializing.
Tone:
Relaxing,
“During My Time”
Meaning:
Refers to time dedicated to your activities, outside of work or social obligations.
Explanation:
This phrase is often used to highlight activities that are important to you personally, such as hobbies or self-care.
Example:
“During my time, I like to play the guitar or explore new places.”
Best Use:
When you want to emphasize the personal nature of your free time.
Worst Use:
When discussing activities that are more professional or work-related.
Tone:
Neutral, personal.
“On My Own Time”
Meaning:
This refers to the time you spend for yourself, typically outside of responsibilities.
Explanation:
This can imply time spent without the pressure of work or obligations.
Example:
“On my own time, I love experimenting with photography.”
Best Use:
When you want to discuss activities you choose for personal fulfillment.
Worst Use:
In very formal settings where such details are not needed.
Tone:
Casual, relaxed.
“When I’m Not Tied Up”
Meaning:
Refers to times when you are not busy or occupied with something important.
Explanation:
This is a more casual and informal way to refer to free time.
Example:
“When I’m not tied up with work, I like to take walks in the park.”
Best Use:
In casual conversations or with people you’re close to.
Worst Use:
In formal or professional settings.
Tone:
Friendly, informal.
“In My Quiet Moments”
Meaning:
This refers to moments of solitude or calm when you can engage in personal activities.
Explanation:
This highlights a sense of peaceful, quiet time for reflection or relaxation.
Example:
“In my quiet moments, I enjoy reading or journaling.”
Best Use:
When you’re describing peaceful, introspective activities.
Worst Use:
When discussing active or social hobbies.
Tone:
Calm, introspective.
“In Between Responsibilities”
Meaning:
Refers to the short breaks or intervals between various obligations.
Explanation:
This phrase is useful when you’re talking about shorter periods of free time.
Example:
“In between responsibilities, I catch up on emails or grab a coffee.”
Best Use:
When you’re talking about a brief break from tasks or obligations.
Worst Use:
When you’re referring to larger chunks of free time like weekends or vacations.
Tone:
Neutral, practical.
“During My Time Off”
Meaning:
Refers to days or hours off from work or other obligations.
Explanation:
A simple and clear way of saying you have some time for yourself.
Example:
“During my time off, I try to spend quality moments with family.”
Best Use:
When referring to planned time away from work or commitments.
Worst Use:
In conversations about everyday free time.
Tone:
Casual, neutral.
“In the Few Free Hours I Have”
Meaning:
Refers to the rare or limited free hours within your busy schedule.
Explanation:
This phrase emphasizes the scarcity of free time and suggests how you spend it.
Example:
“In the few free hours I have, I like to do some creative writing.”
Best Use:
When you want to highlight how precious your time is.
Worst Use:
When you have ample free time to engage in activities.
Tone:
Slightly formal, and reflective.
“When I’m Not Engaged”
Meaning:
Refers to a time when you are not actively engaged in work or other activities.
Explanation:
This phrase is useful when you want to describe periods of disengagement from work or tasks.
Example:
“When I’m not engaged in meetings, I enjoy planning upcoming projects.”
Best Use:
In professional settings, to describe the time between work commitments.
Worst Use:
When referring to personal time or hobbies outside of work.
Tone:
Professional, neutral.
“On My Own Time”
Meaning:
Time dedicated solely to yourself, without obligations or outside interference.
Explanation:
This can imply an activity that is personally enriching and free from external demands.
Example:
“On my own time, I focus on learning new languages.”
Best Use:
When you want to highlight personal interests or development.
Worst Use:
When talking about time spent in a group or collaborative context.
Tone:
Neutral, personal.
“During My Unscheduled Time”
Meaning:
Refers to any time that is not pre-planned or structured by obligations.
Explanation:
This emphasizes flexibility and freedom from a rigid schedule.
Example:
“During my unscheduled time, I enjoy visiting new cafes or exploring local spots.”
Best Use:
When you want to highlight an open, flexible time for exploration or relaxation.
Worst Use:
In highly structured or busy contexts.
Tone:
Casual, open.
“In My Off-Hours”
Meaning:
Refers to time outside your regular work hours.
Explanation:
Similar to “after hours,” this phrase refers to time when you’re not working.
Example:
“In my off-hours, I usually catch up on podcasts or watch movies.”
Best Use:
When discussing time spent outside your working hours.
Worst Use:
When you want to focus on a specific activity rather than just free time.
Tone:
Casual, direct.
“In My Spare Moments”
Meaning:
Refers to brief, small moments of free time.
Explanation:
This implies short snippets of time you find to relax or engage in small activities.
Example:
“In my spare moments, I like to doodle or play a quick game.”
Best Use:
When you want to describe quick activities or habits.
Worst Use:
For long stretches of free time like weekends or vacations.
Tone:
Casual, light-hearted.
“Whenever I Can”
Meaning:
Refers to any available time, typically when your schedule permits.
Explanation:
This phrase is more flexible and less specific, implying that you’ll engage in the activity as long as you can.
Example:
“Whenever I can, I try to sneak in some yoga.”
Best Use:
When you’re talking about spontaneous or irregular activities.
Worst Use:
When you want to describe time in a more structured or planned way.
Tone:
Casual, spontaneous.
“When I Find the Time”
Meaning:
Refers to taking time for something, especially when you’re busy.
Explanation:
This implies that you’ll engage in an activity when you have the time to do so.
Example:
“When I find the time, I like to go for a bike ride.”
Best Use:
When your schedule is busy, and time is limited.
Worst Use:
When you have ample time to do the activity.
Tone:
Casual, flexible.
“When It’s Convenient”
Meaning:
Refers to a time when something can be done without disruption to other responsibilities.
Explanation:
This phrase suggests that the activity will take place when it’s least disruptive to your schedule.
Example:
“I’ll call you back when it’s convenient for me.”
Best Use:
When discussing tasks that can be done at flexible or less busy moments.
Worst Use:
When you want to express dedicated time for personal activities.
Tone:
Neutral, polite.
“When I’m Not Swamped”
Meaning:
Refers to moments when you are not overwhelmed with work or commitments.
Explanation:
This casual phrase highlights a time when you’re not too busy.
Example:
“When I’m not swamped with emails, I enjoy taking long walks.”
Best Use:
When talking about breaks between busy work periods.
Worst Use:
When your time is more organized or less chaotic.
Tone:
Casual, informal.
“During My Free Time”
Meaning:
Refers to the time when you’re not committed to work or other responsibilities.
Explanation:
This is one of the most direct ways to refer to personal time. It’s simple and clear, indicating you’re not currently tied up with any obligations.
Example:
“During my free time, I enjoy taking long hikes in the mountains.”
Best Use:
When discussing how you spend your leisure hours.
Worst Use:
When you’re talking about very specific activities or short intervals of free time.
Tone:
Neutral, straightforward.
“In the Downtime”
Meaning:
Refers to a period of low activity or a break between tasks.
Explanation:
This phrase is typically used to describe moments of calm between busier periods.
Example:
“In the downtime, I try to catch up on my reading.”
Best Use:
When you want to describe the time between busy tasks or work.
Worst Use:
When referring to free time outside of work or scheduled tasks.
Tone:
Casual, practical.
“In My Unwinding Time”
Meaning:
Refers to the time when you relax and wind down after a busy day.
Explanation:
This phrase emphasizes the restorative aspect of personal time.
Example:
“In my unwinding time, I usually watch a favorite TV show to relax.”
Best Use:
When talking about your time for relaxation and stress relief.
Worst Use:
For structured or productive free time.
Tone:
Relaxed, soothing.
“In My Quiet Hours”
Meaning:
Refers to the quieter periods of the day when you’re not busy or interacting with others.
Explanation:
This phrase evokes a sense of peace and solitude, perfect for moments of introspection or personal activity.
Example:
“In my quiet hours, I meditate or journal to reflect on the day.”
Best Use:
When you want to describe a calm, solitary activity that’s important for personal well-being.
Worst Use:
For active, social hobbies or when referring to less serene periods.
Tone:
Calm, reflective.
“When Time Allows”
Meaning:
Refers to free time that’s available when you’re not otherwise occupied.
Explanation:
This implies that you’ll engage in the activity only when there is no conflicting responsibility.
Example:
“I’ll get back to you when time allows, but I’ve been swamped with meetings lately.”
Best Use:
When discussing tasks or activities that depend on having time free from obligations.
Worst Use:
When you have a structured schedule with set personal time.
Tone:
Neutral, polite.
Final Thoughts
The next time someone asks you how you spend your time, try mixing things up and see how it changes the conversation. By selecting the right phrase for the moment, you not only sound more natural but also show a deeper level of thoughtfulness and self-awareness.
Having a variety of ways to say “in my spare time” can enrich your communication. Whether you’re looking for something formal or casual, introspective or practical, these alternatives allow you to express the nuances of your free time with more personality and care.
