Quick Answer: In my spare time means the time you have free from work, studies, or responsibilities.
Common alternatives include in my free time, during my downtime, when I have time, outside of work, and in my leisure time.
The phrase in my spare time is perfectly correct and very common in spoken and written English. You’ll often see it in introductions, interviews, essays, and resumes.
That said, repeating in my spare time too often can sound basic or repetitive especially for intermediate to advanced English learners. Native speakers naturally switch between multiple expressions depending on formality, tone, and context.
Learning other ways to say in my spare time helps you sound:
- More fluent
- More natural
- More professional or casual (as needed)
“Vocabulary variety is one of the clearest signs of advanced English.”
Quick Categories Section
Formal alternatives
In my free time, During my leisure time, Outside of professional commitments, When time allows
Pro Tips Box:
Best for resumes, cover letters, and academic writing.
Casual alternatives
When I have time, In my downtime, On my own time, When I’m free
Pro Tips Box:
Perfect for daily conversations and informal writing.
Professional alternatives
Outside of work hours, Beyond my work schedule, In my personal time
Pro Tips Box:
Useful in workplace introductions and LinkedIn bios.
Very informal / spoken
In my off time, When I’m not busy, Between things
Pro Tips Box:
Avoid these in formal writing.
Common Mistakes Using “In My Spare Time”
- Using it too frequently in one paragraph
- Using it in overly formal documents
- Mixing it with incorrect tense
- Using casual alternatives in resumes
- Forgetting context and tone
What Does “In My Spare Time” Mean?
Definition:
In my spare time refers to time not occupied by work, study, or obligations.
Grammar Note:
It functions as an adverbial phrase of time.
Example Sentence:
In my spare time, I enjoy reading novels.
When to Use “In My Spare Time”
- Self-introductions
- Essays
- Job interviews
- Casual conversations
Formality: Neutral
Spoken/Written: Both
Other Ways to Say “In My Spare Time” (With Examples)
These other ways to say in my spare time help you match tone, fluency, and professionalism.
1. Phrase: In My Free Time
Meaning: Time without obligations
Example: In my free time, I like painting.
Best Use: General
Tone: Neutral
2. Phrase: During My Free Time
Meaning: Same as above (slightly formal)
Example: During my free time, I work on side projects.
Best Use: Writing
Tone: Neutral
3. Phrase: During My Downtime
Meaning: Time to relax
Example: During my downtime, I watch documentaries.
Best Use: Casual-professional
Tone: Relaxed
4. Phrase: When I Have Time
Meaning: Availability-based
Example: I practice guitar when I have time.
Best Use: Spoken English
Tone: Casual
5. Phrase: In My Leisure Time
Meaning: Time for enjoyment
Example: In my leisure time, I enjoy gardening.
Best Use: Formal writing
Tone: Formal
6. Phrase: Outside of Work
Meaning: Time beyond job hours
Example: Outside of work, I enjoy fitness training.
Best Use: Professional intros
Tone: Professional
7. Phrase: Outside of Work Hours
Meaning: After work time
Example: Outside of work hours, I volunteer.
Best Use: Professional
Tone: Professional
8. Phrase: In My Personal Time
Meaning: Private time
Example: In my personal time, I learn new skills.
Best Use: Professional
Tone: Neutral
9. Phrase: Beyond My Work Schedule
Meaning: After duties
Example: Beyond my work schedule, I focus on learning.
Best Use: Professional bios
Tone: Professional
10. Phrase: In My Own Time
Meaning: Self-managed time
Example: I study languages in my own time.
Best Use: Spoken/written
Tone: Neutral
11. Phrase: On My Own Time
Meaning: Personal choice
Example: I code on my own time.
Best Use: Casual
Tone: Casual
12. Phrase: When I’m Free
Meaning: Available moments
Example: When I’m free, I go cycling.
Best Use: Spoken
Tone: Casual
13. Phrase: When I’m Not Busy
Meaning: Informal timing
Example: I read when I’m not busy.
Best Use: Spoken
Tone: Very casual
14. Phrase: In My Off Time
Meaning: Time off
Example: In my off time, I relax at home.
Best Use: Casual
Tone: Casual
15. Phrase: Between Commitments
Meaning: Gaps in schedule
Example: Between commitments, I journal.
Best Use: Writing
Tone: Neutral
16. Phrase: Outside of My Main Responsibilities
Meaning: Beyond duties
Example: Outside of my main responsibilities, I mentor juniors.
Best Use: Professional
Tone: Formal
17. Phrase: When Time Allows
Meaning: If schedule permits
Example: When time allows, I practice yoga.
Best Use: Formal writing
Tone: Formal
18. Phrase: In My Leisure Hours
Meaning: Relaxed time
Example: In my leisure hours, I read fiction.
Best Use: Formal
Tone: Formal
19. Phrase: In My Down Time
Meaning: Relaxed spelling variant
Example: In my down time, I explore photography.
Best Use: Casual writing
Tone: Casual
20. Phrase: Outside of Daily Obligations
Meaning: Non-duty time
Example: Outside of daily obligations, I enjoy cooking.
Best Use: Essays
Tone: Formal
21. Phrase: Beyond My Regular Schedule
Meaning: Time beyond routine
Example: Beyond my regular schedule, I work on hobbies.
Best Use: Professional
Tone: Professional
22. Phrase: During My Off Hours
Meaning: Non-working hours
Example: During my off hours, I study online courses.
Best Use: Professional
Tone: Professional
23. Phrase: In My Relaxation Time
Meaning: Time to unwind
Example: In my relaxation time, I meditate.
Best Use: Writing
Tone: Neutral
24. Phrase: When I Get the Chance
Meaning: Opportunity-based
Example: When I get the chance, I travel.
Best Use: Spoken
Tone: Casual
25. Phrase: When I’m Off Work
Meaning: After work
Example: When I’m off work, I go running.
Best Use: Spoken
Tone: Casual
26. Phrase: Beyond Office Hours
Meaning: After work
Example: Beyond office hours, I pursue creative writing.
Best Use: Professional
Tone: Professional
27. Phrase: In My Available Time
Meaning: Free availability
Example: In my available time, I read industry blogs.
Best Use: Writing
Tone: Neutral
28. Phrase: During My Spare Hours
Meaning: Free hours
Example: During my spare hours, I practice chess.
Best Use: Writing
Tone: Neutral
29. Phrase: In My Free Moments
Meaning: Short free periods
Example: In my free moments, I reflect and plan.
Best Use: Writing
Tone: Neutral
30. Phrase: Outside of My Core Schedule
Meaning: Beyond main routine
Example: Outside of my core schedule, I explore hobbies.
Best Use: Professional
Tone: Professional
Mini Quiz / Self-Check
- Best phrase for a resume?
a) When I’m not busy
b) In my leisure time
c) In my off time - Most casual option?
a) When I have time
b) Outside of work hours
c) Beyond my work schedule
Comparison Table
| Phrase | Tone | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| In my free time | Neutral | General |
| During my downtime | Casual | Conversation |
| In my leisure time | Formal | Writing |
| Outside of work | Professional | Introductions |
| When I have time | Casual | Spoken |
| In my personal time | Professional | Workplace |
| When time allows | Formal | Essays |
| During my off hours | Professional | Business |
FAQs
1. Is “in my spare time” formal?
It’s neutral and acceptable in most contexts.
2. What’s the best alternative for resumes?
“In my free time” or “Outside of work.”
3. Is “downtime” professional?
Semi-professional; fine for internal communication.
4. Can I use casual phrases in essays?
No—stick to formal or neutral options.
Conclusion
Learning other ways to say in my spare time helps you express yourself more naturally and professionally. Choose the phrase that best matches tone, audience, and purpose.
CTA: Try using a new alternative in your next introduction or essay.
James Anderson is a vocabulary-focused blogger at SynonymHub.com, providing clear and practical insights on synonyms and word meanings to help readers enhance their language skills and communicate more effectively.
