The phrase “in my spare time” is one of the most common expressions English learners use to talk about hobbies, interests, or activities outside work or study.
It is simple, clear, and correct. But using the same phrase again and again can make your English sound basic, repetitive, or less professional than you want.
Choosing better alternatives helps you sound more natural. It also lets you control tone. Some phrases sound relaxed and friendly.
Others feel polished, formal, or business-ready. In emails, resumes, essays, and meetings, word choice matters more than people think.
Compare this contrast:
- Informal: In my spare time, I watch documentaries.
- More polished: Outside of work hours, I enjoy watching documentaries.
Both are correct. But the feeling is different. This guide will help you choose the right words for the right moment.
What Does “In My Spare Time” Mean?
Student-friendly meaning
It means the time when you are free from work, school, or duties, and you choose how to use it.
Grammar form
It is a prepositional phrase.
Similar ideas
- During free time
- When I am not busy
Opposite tone ideas
- During working hours
- On the job
Sample sentences
- In my spare time, I practice photography.
- She learns new skills in her spare time.
When to Use “In My Spare Time”
Spoken English
Very common and natural in daily conversation.
Business English
Acceptable, but slightly casual.
Emails / Messages
Fine in friendly or internal emails.
Social media
Very common and relaxed.
Academic writing
Better replaced with more formal options.
Professional meetings
Use alternatives for a stronger impression.
Is “In My Spare Time” Polite or Professional?
The phrase is neutral and polite, but not strong.
- Polite: Yes
- Professional: Mild
- Formal: No
- Casual: Yes
Etiquette tip
Use it when talking about hobbies casually. Avoid it in resumes, cover letters, or formal reports where tone matters.
Pros & Cons of Using “In My Spare Time”
✔ Pros
- Easy to understand
- Safe for learners
- Natural in conversation
✘ Cons
- Sounds basic
- Overused
- Not impressive in professional settings
Quick Alternatives List (Fast Reference)
- In my free time
- Outside of work hours
- During my downtime
- When I’m not working
- Beyond my job responsibilities
- After hours
- On my own time
- During leisure time
- In my off hours
- Outside professional commitments
- Recreationally
- In moments of free time
- Beyond working hours
- During personal time
- As a hobby
Strong Alternatives You Can Use Instead
In My Free Time
Meaning
Time when you are not busy.
Explanation
This is the closest and most common replacement. It sounds natural and slightly softer.
Grammar note
Prepositional phrase.
Example sentence
In my free time, I enjoy cooking new recipes.
Best use
Casual conversation, emails, social media.
Worst use
Formal academic writing.
Tone
Friendly, neutral.
Level
Beginner.
Similarity score
9/10.
Replaceability tip
Use this when speaking casually with friends or coworkers.
Outside of Work Hours
Meaning
Time after or before work.
Explanation
This sounds more professional and structured.
Grammar note
Formal prepositional phrase.
Example sentence
Outside of work hours, I focus on professional development.
Best use
Workplace, emails, LinkedIn profiles.
Worst use
Very casual chats.
Tone
Professional.
Level
Intermediate.
Similarity score
8/10.
Replaceability tip
Choose this for resumes or business contexts.
During My Downtime
Meaning
Time when you are resting or relaxed.
Explanation
Adds a relaxed and modern tone.
Grammar note
Noun phrase.
Example sentence
During my downtime, I read non-fiction books.
Best use
Spoken English, casual writing.
Worst use
Formal reports.
Tone
Friendly.
Level
Intermediate.
Similarity score
7/10.
Replaceability tip
Use when talking about relaxation, not productivity.
When I’m Not Working
Meaning
Time away from job duties.
Explanation
Very clear and conversational.
Grammar note
Clause.
Example sentence
When I’m not working, I enjoy cycling.
Best use
Spoken English.
Worst use
Formal documents.
Tone
Casual.
Level
Beginner.
Similarity score
8/10.
Replaceability tip
Good for interviews when speaking naturally.
Beyond My Job Responsibilities
Meaning
Activities not related to work duties.
Explanation
Sounds mature and professional.
Grammar note
Formal phrase.
Example sentence
Beyond my job responsibilities, I mentor students.
Best use
Professional bios, resumes.
Worst use
Casual chats.
Tone
Formal.
Level
Advanced.
Similarity score
7/10.
Replaceability tip
Great for professional introductions.
After Hours
Meaning
Time after work.
Explanation
Short, strong, and workplace-focused.
Grammar note
Adverbial phrase.
Example sentence
After hours, I work on creative projects.
Best use
Workplace talk, emails.
Worst use
Academic essays.
Tone
Neutral-professional.
Level
Intermediate.
Similarity score
6/10.
Replaceability tip
Use when discussing work-life balance.
On My Own Time
Meaning
Personal time you control.
Explanation
Emphasizes independence.
Grammar note
Prepositional phrase.
Example sentence
I study new tools on my own time.
Best use
Workplace conversations.
Worst use
Formal writing.
Tone
Firm, neutral.
Level
Intermediate.
Similarity score
7/10.
Replaceability tip
Use to show self-motivation.
During Leisure Time
Meaning
Relaxed personal time.
Explanation
Sounds formal and academic.
Grammar note
Noun phrase.
Example sentence
During leisure time, participants read novels.
Best use
Academic writing.
Worst use
Casual chat.
Tone
Formal.
Level
Advanced.
Similarity score
6/10.
Replaceability tip
Ideal for essays and reports.
In My Off Hours
Meaning
Time when not scheduled for work.
Explanation
Common in professional settings.
Grammar note
Prepositional phrase.
Example sentence
In my off hours, I practice coding.
Best use
Workplace English.
Worst use
Very formal documents.
Tone
Professional.
Level
Intermediate.
Similarity score
7/10.
Outside Professional Commitments
Meaning
Time away from career duties.
Explanation
Very polished and formal.
Grammar note
Formal phrase.
Example sentence
Outside professional commitments, she volunteers.
Best use
Formal bios.
Worst use
Casual speech.
Tone
Formal.
Level
Advanced.
Similarity score
6/10.
Recreationally
Meaning
For enjoyment, not work.
Explanation
Short and academic.
Grammar note
Adverb.
Example sentence
He writes recreationally.
Best use
Academic or formal writing.
Worst use
Daily conversation.
Tone
Formal.
Level
Advanced.
Similarity score
5/10.
In Moments of Free Time
Meaning
Short free periods.
Explanation
Soft and descriptive.
Grammar note
Phrase.
Example sentence
In moments of free time, she sketches.
Best use
Writing and storytelling.
Worst use
Business emails.
Tone
Soft.
Level
Intermediate.
Similarity score
8/10.
Beyond Working Hours
Meaning
Time outside job schedule.
Explanation
Professional and clear.
Grammar note
Formal phrase.
Example sentence
Beyond working hours, he studies languages.
Best use
Professional contexts.
Worst use
Casual texts.
Tone
Professional.
Level
Intermediate.
Similarity score
7/10.
During Personal Time
Meaning
Private free time.
Explanation
Neutral and flexible.
Grammar note
Noun phrase.
Example sentence
During personal time, I focus on fitness.
Best use
Emails, workplace talk.
Worst use
Very formal writing.
Tone
Neutral.
Level
Intermediate.
Similarity score
8/10.
As a Hobby
Meaning
Done for enjoyment.
Explanation
Focuses on interest, not time.
Grammar note
Phrase.
Example sentence
I paint as a hobby.
Best use
Conversation, profiles.
Worst use
Academic writing.
Tone
Friendly.
Level
Beginner.
Similarity score
6/10.
Mini Dialogue Examples
Formal
Interviewer: What do you do outside of work hours?
Candidate: I focus on leadership training and mentoring.
Informal
Friend: What do you do in your free time?
You: I usually watch documentaries.
Business email style
Outside professional commitments, I continue to develop my technical skills.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Using casual phrases in formal emails
- Repeating the same phrase too often
- Mixing tones in one sentence
- Using slang in academic writing
- Forgetting context and audience
- Overcomplicating simple sentences
Cultural & Tone Tips
US English
Direct and clear phrases are preferred.
UK English
Softer, more formal alternatives are common.
Casual social English
Short, relaxed phrases sound best.
Comparison Table
| Phrase | Tone | Best Context | Professional Level | Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| In my free time | Friendly | Conversation | Low | I read novels. |
| Outside work hours | Professional | Workplace | High | I study trends. |
| During downtime | Casual | Social | Medium | I relax. |
| Beyond job duties | Formal | Resume | High | I volunteer. |
| After hours | Neutral | Office talk | Medium | I learn tools. |
FAQs
Is “in my spare time” rude?
No. It is polite and neutral.
Is it okay in emails?
Yes, in casual or internal emails.
What is the most formal alternative?
“Outside professional commitments.”
What is the most polite alternative?
“During personal time.”
What should beginners use?
“In my free time.”
Can I use it on a resume?
It is better to replace it with a professional option.
Conclusion
Using different ways to say “in my spare time” helps you sound more fluent, confident, and professional. Simple variation improves clarity and shows strong language control.
The right phrase can change how people see your skills, attitude, and experience. Practice these alternatives in emails, conversations, and writing.
Over time, choosing the right words will feel natural. Strong English is not about using hard words. It is about using the right words at the right time.
John Lee is an education-focused writer with a strong interest in English grammar and language learning.
He creates clear, student-friendly content to help learners improve their grammar skills with confidence.