Common Mistake: “to pass time” VS. “to spend time”
– B1-B2 (intermediate) –
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Many learners of the English language use the expression “to pass time.” However, this is often a mistake.
DEFINITION
In North American English, “to pass time” and “to spend time” do not mean the same thing.
TO PASS TIME
to do something that you do not care much about while you wait for something
TO SPEND TIME
to plan to do something during a non-specific period of time
to do something with someone for a non-specific period of time
EXAMPLES
“Work was so boring. I did not have any projects to do, so I just passed time watching YouTube videos.”
In this context, the person is waiting to finish their work day. While they wait for this, they watch YouTube videos.
“Sometimes I don’t know what to do in the evenings after work. So, I just pass time looking at social media.”
In this context, the person is waiting to end their day or go to bed. While they wait for this, they look at social media."
“I plan to spend time in Canada next year so that I can practice my English.”
In this context, definition 1 is used: the person plans to go to Canada to practice English; we do not know when next year this will happen and we do not know how long this will happen for.
“My wife likes to spend time each morning drinking coffee and reading a book.”
In this context, definition 1 is also used: the person plans to drink coffee and read a book; we do not know when in the morning this happens and we do not know how long it happens for.
“He is going to spend time with his in-laws next weekend.”
In this context, definition 2 is used: the person plans to do something with his in-laws; we do not know when next weekend this will happen and we do not know how long he plans to do something with them.
What do you usually do when you are passing time? How do you spend your time? Are you planning on spending time with someone soon? Let me know in the comments below.
