When you have extra time outside work or school, using Other Ways to Say “In My Spare Time” (With Examples) makes it easier to describe your personal activities clearly and naturally. I often enjoy reading, crafting, sports, gaming, or volunteering during downtime, and sharing these personal projects and hobbies with friends makes conversations more lively. Using different expressions, like free-time activities, pastimes, recreation, or entertainment activities, helps to communicate your interests, pursuits, and enjoyable pursuits in a way that feels unique, authentic, and memorable.
When writing, speaking, or messaging through email, LinkedIn, or professional platforms, choosing the right phrase makes a huge difference. Instead of repeating the same phrases, I like to highlight what I enjoy in fun, casual, or formal ways. Using thoughtful alternatives like self-expression, hobbies discussion, or passion projects adds warmth, care, and authenticity. Framing your activities with descriptions and personal expression enhances communication skills, clarity, eloquence, and personality, while respecting audience awareness, social context, and professional context.
Did You Know (In My Spare Time)
The phrase “in my spare time” dates back to Old English usage, where spare meant “extra” or “unused.” Today, it’s widely used in spoken English, resumes, personal statements, and blogs, but overuse can make writing feel repetitive. Learning alternatives helps improve clarity, style, and SEO value in modern content.
What Does “In My Spare Time” Mean?
In my spare time refers to moments when you are free from work, duties, or obligations and choose to engage in personal, relaxing, or enjoyable activities. It highlights how someone uses their free time productively or creatively.
Professional or Polite Ways to Say “In My Spare Time”
In professional, academic, or political settings, it’s better to use refined alternatives such as “outside of work hours,” “during my free periods,” or “beyond my professional responsibilities.” These expressions sound respectful, mature, and well-structured, especially in resumes, interviews, or formal writing.
“In My Spare Time” Synonyms
- In My Free Time
- During My Leisure Time
- When I Have Time
- Outside of Work Hours
- In My Downtime
- During My Off Hours
- In My Personal Time
- Beyond My Daily Responsibilities
- In My Free Moments
- When I’m Not Busy
- In My Own Time
- During Breaks
- After Hours
- In My Quiet Time
- In My Relaxation Time
- In Between Tasks
- On the Side
- As a Hobby
- In Moments of Rest
- During Unscheduled Time
- In My Leisure Hours
- During Free Periods
- Outside My Commitments
- In My Idle Time
- In Times of Ease
- When Time Allows
- In My Unoccupied Time
- In Between Responsibilities
- Beyond Work Commitments
- In My Free Schedule
1. In My Free Time
Definition: Time that is not committed to work or responsibilities.
Meanings: leisure, availability, personal time
Example: I read novels in my free time.
Detailed Explanation: This is the most common and natural alternative to in my spare time. It works well in both spoken and written English. The phrase feels relaxed yet clear and is suitable for daily conversations, blogs, and informal professional settings.
Tone: Neutral, casual
Best Use: Everyday conversation, blogs
2. During My Leisure Time
Definition: Moments reserved for relaxation and enjoyment.
Meanings: relaxation, rest, enjoyment
Example: During my leisure time, I enjoy painting.
Detailed Explanation: This phrase carries a slightly formal and refined tone. It emphasizes rest and pleasure rather than productivity, making it ideal for lifestyle writing and reflective content.
Tone: Formal-neutral
Best Use: Essays, lifestyle articles
3. When I Have Time
Definition: Whenever free moments are available.
Meanings: availability, flexibility
Example: I work on photography when I have time.
Detailed Explanation: This expression suggests flexibility and a busy schedule. It feels conversational and human, often used to imply that the activity is enjoyable but not obligatory.
Tone: Casual
Best Use: Spoken English, emails
4. Outside of Work Hours
Definition: Time beyond professional responsibilities.
Meanings: off-duty time, personal hours
Example: Outside of work hours, I volunteer at a shelter.
Detailed Explanation: This phrase is highly professional and suitable for resumes or LinkedIn profiles. It clearly separates work identity from personal interests.
Tone: Professional
Best Use: Resumes, interviews
5. In My Downtime
Definition: Periods of rest between tasks.
Meanings: rest, pause, break
Example: In my downtime, I watch documentaries.
Detailed Explanation: Downtime suggests recovery and mental relaxation. It’s modern and commonly used in creative or corporate cultures.
Tone: Modern, relaxed
Best Use: Creative writing, blogs
6. During My Off Hours
Definition: Time when one is officially off duty.
Meanings: non-working hours
Example: I study languages during my off hours.
Detailed Explanation: This phrase is structured and clear, often used in professional or academic contexts without sounding stiff.
Tone: Semi-formal
Best Use: Academic or workplace writing
7. In My Personal Time
Definition: Time dedicated to oneself.
Meanings: self-time, private time
Example: In my personal time, I practice meditation.
Detailed Explanation: This expression emphasizes boundaries and self-care. It fits well in wellness, spiritual, or reflective writing.
Tone: Calm, thoughtful
Best Use: Wellness and self-growth content
8. Beyond My Daily Responsibilities
Definition: Time after routine obligations.
Meanings: extra time, non-obligatory time
Example: Beyond my daily responsibilities, I mentor students.
Detailed Explanation: This alternative sounds polished and intentional, highlighting commitment without obligation.
Tone: Formal
Best Use: Professional bios
9. In My Free Moments
Definition: Short periods of availability.
Meanings: brief free time
Example: I journal in my free moments.
Detailed Explanation: This phrase feels poetic and reflective, ideal for expressive writing.
Tone: Soft, reflective
Best Use: Blogs, creative writing
10. When I’m Not Busy
Definition: Time without pressing tasks.
Meanings: relaxed availability
Example: When I’m not busy, I cook new recipes.
Detailed Explanation: This is friendly and conversational, perfect for casual interactions.
Tone: Casual
Best Use: Informal speech
11. In My Own Time
Definition: Time used at one’s personal pace without pressure.
Meanings: independence, flexibility, personal rhythm
Example: I learn new skills in my own time.
Detailed Explanation: This phrase emphasizes freedom and self-direction. It suggests that the activity is done willingly, not under obligation or deadlines. It works well when you want to show autonomy and balance in life while keeping the tone calm and confident.
Tone: Calm, independent
Best Use: Personal statements, interviews
12. During Breaks
Definition: Short pauses between work or tasks.
Meanings: rest periods, intervals
Example: I stretch and read during breaks.
Detailed Explanation: “During breaks” implies small but intentional use of time. It highlights productivity even in short intervals and is commonly used in workplace or academic contexts to show efficient time management.
Tone: Practical, neutral
Best Use: Workplace communication, daily routines
13. After Hours
Definition: Time after official work or business hours.
Meanings: off-duty time, evenings
Example: After hours, I take online courses.
Detailed Explanation: This expression is professional and widely understood in corporate settings. It clearly separates work life from personal development and is ideal for resumes or professional bios.
Tone: Professional
Best Use: Corporate writing, resumes
14. In My Quiet Time
Definition: Peaceful moments used for reflection.
Meanings: solitude, calmness
Example: In my quiet time, I reflect and pray.
Detailed Explanation: This phrase carries a spiritual and emotional tone. It suggests mindfulness, inner peace, and intentional silence, making it perfect for reflective, spiritual, or wellness-related content.
Tone: Spiritual, reflective
Best Use: Wellness blogs, personal reflections
15. In My Relaxation Time
Definition: Time dedicated to rest and stress relief.
Meanings: unwinding, leisure
Example: In my relaxation time, I listen to soft music.
Detailed Explanation: This alternative focuses on mental and physical well-being. It clearly communicates rest and self-care, which resonates well in lifestyle and health-focused writing.
Tone: Gentle, soothing
Best Use: Lifestyle and wellness writing
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16. In Between Tasks
Definition: Short gaps separating activities.
Meanings: transition time, pauses
Example: I answer emails in between tasks.
Detailed Explanation: This phrase highlights efficiency and multitasking. It’s useful when describing how small pockets of time are used productively without disrupting major responsibilities.
Tone: Practical
Best Use: Productivity content, work routines
17. On the Side
Definition: Something done in addition to main work.
Meanings: secondary activity, extra work
Example: I freelance as a writer on the side.
Detailed Explanation: “On the side” sounds modern and informal. It often implies passion projects or secondary income streams, making it popular in entrepreneurial and creative contexts.
Tone: Casual, modern
Best Use: Blogs, casual conversations
18. As a Hobby
Definition: An activity done for enjoyment.
Meanings: pastime, interest
Example: I collect stamps as a hobby.
Detailed Explanation: This phrase clearly communicates enjoyment rather than obligation. It’s simple, universally understood, and works well across cultures and age groups.
Tone: Friendly, neutral
Best Use: Introductions, personal bios
19. In Moments of Rest
Definition: Times of physical or mental relaxation.
Meanings: restfulness, recovery
Example: In moments of rest, I listen to podcasts.
Detailed Explanation: This expression feels poetic and emotional. It suits reflective writing and emphasizes balance, peace, and intentional relaxation.
Tone: Poetic, calm
Best Use: Creative writing, blogs
20. During Unscheduled Time
Definition: Time without prior planning.
Meanings: flexible time, open hours
Example: During unscheduled time, I explore new ideas.
Detailed Explanation: This phrase sounds structured yet flexible. It works well in professional and academic writing where clarity and planning are valued.
Tone: Formal-neutral
Best Use: Academic or professional contexts
21. In My Leisure Hours
Definition: Hours reserved for enjoyment.
Meanings: recreation, pleasure
Example: In my leisure hours, I garden.
Detailed Explanation: This alternative sounds classic and slightly formal. It emphasizes enjoyment and relaxation while maintaining elegance.
Tone: Formal, refined
Best Use: Essays, formal blogs
22. During Free Periods
Definition: Scheduled gaps in routine.
Meanings: availability, breaks
Example: I revise notes during free periods.
Detailed Explanation: Often used in academic environments, this phrase highlights structured free time and responsibility.
Tone: Academic
Best Use: Student writing, education contexts
23. Outside My Commitments
Definition: Time beyond obligations.
Meanings: non-obligatory time
Example: Outside my commitments, I mentor youth.
Detailed Explanation: This phrase sounds mature and responsible. It’s excellent for showing dedication without overstating workload.
Tone: Professional
Best Use: Professional profiles
24. In My Idle Time
Definition: Time with no pressing activity.
Meanings: inactivity, free moments
Example: In my idle time, I sketch ideas.
Detailed Explanation: Though “idle” can sound negative, in creative contexts it suggests imagination and brainstorming.
Tone: Creative
Best Use: Artistic writing
25. In Times of Ease
Definition: Periods of comfort and calm.
Meanings: relaxation, peace
Example: In times of ease, I focus on gratitude.
Detailed Explanation: This phrase has a spiritual and philosophical feel, often used in reflective or motivational writing.
Tone: Spiritual
Best Use: Inspirational content
26. When Time Allows
Definition: Whenever there is enough free time.
Meanings: availability, flexibility
Example: I travel when time allows.
Detailed Explanation: This expression suggests a busy but balanced life. It’s polite, flexible, and commonly used in both speech and writing.
Tone: Neutral
Best Use: Emails, conversations
27. In My Unoccupied Time
Definition: Time without tasks or duties.
Meanings: free time, availability
Example: In my unoccupied time, I read research papers.
Detailed Explanation: This phrase sounds formal and academic, making it suitable for professional or scholarly writing.
Tone: Formal
Best Use: Academic writing
28. In Between Responsibilities
Definition: Time separating duties.
Meanings: transition time
Example: In between responsibilities, I take short walks.
Detailed Explanation: This alternative emphasizes balance and self-care amid a busy schedule.
Tone: Thoughtful
Best Use: Wellness and productivity content
29. Beyond Work Commitments
Definition: Time outside professional obligations.
Meanings: personal time
Example: Beyond work commitments, I coach young athletes.
Detailed Explanation: This phrase is excellent for professional branding. It highlights values, leadership, and community involvement.
Tone: Professional
Best Use: LinkedIn profiles, bios
30. In My Free Schedule
Definition: Open time in one’s calendar.
Meanings: availability, open slots
Example: In my free schedule, I plan creative projects.
Detailed Explanation: This modern phrase works well in digital, freelance, or entrepreneurial contexts, emphasizing planning and flexibility.
Tone: Modern
Best Use: Freelance and creative fields
FAQs :
1. What are some other ways to say “in my spare time”?
You can use expressions like free-time activities, pastimes, recreation, entertainment activities, personal projects, or hobbies discussion to describe what you do outside work or school.
2. How can I make my description of hobbies more engaging?
Adding personal touches, framing, and thoughtful alternatives like self-expression, passion projects, or personal engagement makes your free-time expression authentic, unique, and memorable.
3. Can these expressions be used in professional settings?
Yes! You can mention learning activities, skill-building, self-improvement, or professional platforms like LinkedIn. Adjust your tone and phrasing for a friendly or professional tone depending on the audience awareness and social context.
4. How do I avoid repeating the same phrases?
Instead of using “in my spare time” every time, use alternatives, vocabulary alternatives, or different expressions. Highlight your activities, interests, and pursuits in fun, casual, or formal ways.
5. Why is using the right words important?
Choosing the right phrase improves communication skills, clarity, eloquence, and personality. It ensures your interaction and sharing of hobbies or free-time activities feels meaningful and reflective of who you are.
Conclusion :
Describing what you do in your extra time can be simple and authentic if you use Other Ways to Say “In My Spare Time” (With Examples). Whether through writing, messaging, or speaking, carefully choosing expressions, personal touches, and thoughtful alternatives makes your hobbies, personal projects, and free-time activities come alive. From casual to professional contexts, these phrasing choices help you communicate clearly, leave a positive impression, and showcase your personality with warmth, care, and authenticity.
Emily Carter is the voice behind EnglishSharpMind.com, helping learners sharpen their English skills through clear, practical, and confidence-building guidance.
