When I first wondered about In My Spare Time vs On My Spare Time: Which Is Correct in English?, I realized that even native speakers sometimes trip over these small choices. The phrase “in my spare time” is widely accepted, while “on my spare time” can sound awkward or grammatically incorrect. Understanding this comes down to grammar, syntax, and the subtle nuance of English-language idioms. Over time, paying attention to the structure and usage of each phrase improved my fluency, speaking, and writing, making my communication clearer and more professional.
Personally, I’ve found that learning these distinctions strengthens comprehension and knowledge of semantic meaning. Focusing on accuracy, precision, and correctness helps avoid common errors and mistakes that can confuse learners. Practicing verbal-expression, writing-skills, and speaking-skills in contextual scenarios makes a huge difference. It’s amazing how small adjustments in phraseology, word-choice, or sentence-structure can enhance clarity and overall language-clarity, letting your English-communication feel more natural and native-sounding.
Another tip from experience: consistently revisiting linguistic, semantic-related, and syntactical rules helps maintain fluency-level while improving vocabulary-accuracy and expression-clarity. Using contextual-accuracy and nuance-understanding in your English-phrases or English-expressions reinforces comprehension-skills. Even ESL-learners and EFL students can benefit from practice, repetition, and focusing on correctness-level. Integrating writing-style, communication-style, and linguistic-precision into daily learning makes “in my spare time” the correct, polished choice, while avoiding the grammaticality issues of “on my spare time.”
Understanding the Phrase “In My Spare Time”
The phrase “in my spare time” refers to activities someone does during periods of free time, outside of work, school, or obligations. The word “spare” means available or unused. The phrase focuses on a stretch of time, not a specific moment or date. English consistently uses the preposition “in” for time periods that are broad or continuous.
Examples include:
- in the morning
- in the afternoon
- in the evening
- in my spare time
- in my free time
In all of these, the speaker refers to a general span of time, not a fixed point. That is the grammatical reason “in my spare time” works.
When native speakers say “in my spare time,” they are not thinking about grammar rules. They are following a pattern deeply embedded in English usage. That pattern treats spare time as a container of time, something you are metaphorically “inside.”
Why “On My Spare Time” Is Incorrect
The phrase “on my spare time” is grammatically incorrect in standard English. Native speakers do not use it. It sounds unnatural and immediately signals non-native usage. The problem lies in the preposition “on.”
In English, “on” is used for specific days and dates, not for abstract or flexible time periods.
Correct uses of “on” include:
- on Monday
- on Friday afternoon
- on July 4
- on my birthday
Spare time is not a day. It is not a date. It is not a calendar event. Because of this, “on my spare time” breaks English time-preposition rules.
Even though “spare time” feels concrete, grammatically it behaves like a duration, not a point. That is why “in” is required.
Common Errors and Misconceptions
Many people use “on my spare time” because of direct translation from other languages. In several languages, the equivalent phrase uses a preposition closer to “on.” When learners transfer that structure into English, the result sounds wrong.
Another source of confusion is overgeneralization. Learners memorize that “on” is used with time expressions, then apply it everywhere. English does not work that way. Prepositions depend on how English conceptualizes time, not how time exists in reality.
A third issue is spoken English. Some learners hear fast speech and misinterpret what they hear. However, native speakers overwhelmingly say “in my spare time.”
Examples of Correct and Incorrect Usage
Correct usage:
- In my spare time, I read historical novels.
- She learns graphic design in her spare time.
- He volunteers at an animal shelter in his spare time.
Incorrect usage:
- On my spare time, I read historical novels.
- She learns graphic design on her spare time.
- He volunteers on his spare time.
The incorrect versions sound awkward because “on” clashes with the abstract nature of spare time.
The Role of Prepositions in English Time Expressions
English organizes time into categories. Each category pairs with specific prepositions. Understanding these categories helps you avoid mistakes far beyond this single phrase.
Time Categories and Prepositions
| Time Type | Examples | Correct Preposition |
| Exact times | 5:00, noon, midnight | at |
| Days and dates | Monday, July 10 | on |
| Periods and durations | weeks, months, spare time | in |
Spare time clearly fits into the periods and durations category. That is why “in my spare time” follows the same rule as “in the summer” or “in my childhood.”
Using “In My Spare Time” in Professional Writing
Correct phrasing matters in professional contexts. Recruiters, hiring managers, and academic readers subconsciously judge language accuracy. A phrase like “on my spare time” can undermine credibility even if the rest of the content is strong.
Using “In My Spare Time” on a Resume
Strong resume examples:
- In my spare time, I contribute to open-source software projects.
- In my spare time, I study data analytics and automation tools.
- In my spare time, I mentor junior developers online.
These sentences sound natural, polished, and professional. They follow standard business English conventions.
Incorrect resume phrasing:
- On my spare time, I study data analytics.
This single error can distract the reader and weaken first impressions.
Formal vs Informal Usage of “In My Spare Time”
The phrase “in my spare time” works in both formal and informal contexts. Its tone is neutral. However, in highly formal writing, some alternatives may fit better.
Informal usage:
- In my spare time, I play chess and watch documentaries.
Formal or academic usage:
- Outside of professional responsibilities, I engage in independent research.
Professional alternatives:
- Outside of work hours
- During personal time
- In my free time
Each alternative shifts tone slightly, but “in my spare time” remains grammatically correct in all registers.
Common Activities People Do in Their Spare Time
English frequently pairs “in my spare time” with specific verbs and activities. These combinations are called collocations, and using them correctly improves fluency.
Common collocations include:
- read
- learn
- practice
- volunteer
- write
- exercise
- explore
Examples:
- In my spare time, I practice public speaking.
- In my spare time, I explore new cuisines.
- In my spare time, I write short stories.
Native speakers instinctively use these patterns. Learning them reduces hesitation.
Alternatives to “In My Spare Time”
Repeating the same phrase too often can make writing feel flat. English offers natural alternatives that preserve meaning.
Common alternatives:
- In my free time
- Outside of work
- Outside of my main responsibilities
- When I’m not working
- During my downtime
Each alternative fits different tones. None require the preposition “on.”
Strengthening English Accuracy Through Prepositional Phrases
Prepositions are among the hardest parts of English because they follow usage patterns rather than strict logic. The best way to master them is exposure, pattern recognition, and correction.
Strategies to improve:
- Learn phrases as complete units
- Read high-quality edited English
- Notice prepositions in context
- Avoid translating directly from your first language
Fixing “in my spare time” is not just about one phrase. It is about training your ear to recognize natural English structure.
Abetter vs Abettor: What’s the Difference?
Abetter and abettor sound similar but differ in form and frequency. Abettor is the standard noun meaning someone who encourages wrongdoing. Abetter is a less common variant. In modern English, abettor dominates formal and legal contexts.
Example:
- He was charged as an abettor to the crime.
Quantifiers Explained: Couple, Few, Some, Several, Many
Quantifiers describe quantity, but each carries nuance.
- A couple usually means two
- A few means a small number, more than two
- Some is vague and neutral
- Several suggests more than a few
- Many implies a large number
Correct quantifier choice improves precision and tone.
Eaves vs Eves: Difference and Meaning
Eaves refers to the edge of a roof. Eves is the plural of eve, meaning the day before an event.
Examples:
- Birds nested under the eaves.
- On the eves of the holidays, stores stay open late.
Complete or Completed? Difference Explained
Complete can be an adjective or verb. Completed is the past participle.
Examples:
- The project is complete.
- The project was completed last week.
Choosing correctly avoids tense confusion.
Continuing Success or Continued Success
Continuing success emphasizes ongoing progress. Continued success focuses on success that persists.
Example:
- We wish you continued success in your career.
Both are correct, but meaning shifts subtly.
What Is Innuendo?
Innuendo refers to an indirect or subtle suggestion, often negative or suggestive.
Example:
- The comment carried an innuendo that made the room uncomfortable.
Understanding tone-sensitive words like this prevents miscommunication.
Key Takeaways
- “In my spare time” is the only correct form
- “On my spare time” is grammatically incorrect
- English uses “in” for periods of time
- Correct preposition use improves credibility
- Learning phrases as units builds fluency
Two Minute English
If spare time feels like a stretch of time, use it. If it is a day or date, use on. Spare time is never a date. That single rule will keep you right every time.
Conclusion
Choosing between in my spare time and on my spare time is simpler once you understand grammar, syntax, and phrase usage. “In my spare time” is correct and sounds natural, while “on my spare time” is grammatically incorrect and can confuse your communication. By practicing sentence-structure, word-choice, and semantic understanding, your English-communication, fluency, and writing-skills improve significantly. Paying attention to nuance, contextual-accuracy, and expression-clarity ensures that your language is precise, professional, and native-sounding.
FAQs
Q1. Which phrase is correct: “in my spare time” or “on my spare time”?
The correct phrase is “in my spare time.” Using “on my spare time” is grammatically wrong and sounds unnatural to native speakers.
Q2. Why do learners get confused between these phrases?
Learners often confuse these phrases due to similar wording, but the grammar, syntax, and idiomatic usage are different. Paying attention to context, phraseology, and sentence-structure helps clarify the distinction.
Q3. How can I remember which phrase to use?
Focus on practice, repetition, and semantic understanding. Using “in my spare time” in writing, speaking, and daily communication consistently reinforces correct usage.
Q4. Does using “on my spare time” ever work?
No, “on my spare time” is grammatically incorrect. It may appear in informal speech by mistake, but it should be avoided in professional, writing, or formal communication.
Q5. How can mastering these phrases improve my English?
Mastering in my spare time vs “on my spare time” enhances fluency, clarity, and professionalism. It improves your vocabulary, semantic understanding, and overall language-accuracy, making your communication more natural and precise.
