Do you ever catch yourself overusing the phrase “spend time” in your writing or on your resume? I’ve been there too, and it can get pretty frustrating. Using the same words again and again can make your sentences sound dull and plain, and that’s the last thing you want—especially when you’re trying to impress someone or really connect with your reader.
That’s why I put together this list of 25 fresh and powerful alternatives to say “spend time.” These phrases will help you express yourself more clearly, creatively, and with a lot more personality. Whether you’re polishing your resume, writing an email, or just chatting with friends, these options will make your language sparkle and stand out.
Ready to upgrade your vocabulary and communicate with style? Dive into this list and discover how you can make your words more precise and engaging. Let’s get started!
Alternatives to “Spend Time”
1. Devote Time
Devoting time means you are giving your attention or effort to something important or meaningful. It shows commitment and focus, making your involvement sound intentional and valuable.
Examples:
- She devotes time to volunteering every weekend.
- I devote time each day to learning new skills.
- They devoted time to preparing for the big presentation.
- He devotes time to mentoring young students.
- We need to devote time to planning the project carefully.
Why it works:
“Devote time” communicates dedication and purpose, which makes your message feel more serious and committed.
2. Allocate Time
To allocate time means to set aside or assign specific periods for an activity, showing good planning and organization.
Examples:
- The manager allocated time for team meetings every Monday.
- You should allocate time to review your work before submitting it.
- She allocated time for exercise despite her busy schedule.
- They allocated time to brainstorm ideas during the workshop.
- We allocate time for customer feedback every quarter.
Why it works:
Using “allocate time” signals that you are organized and intentional about how you use your hours.
3. Invest Time
Investing time is like putting money into something valuable—you expect good results. It suggests that the time you spend will pay off in some way.
Examples:
- He invests time in building strong relationships with clients.
- I invest time every week practicing my guitar skills.
- The team invested time to improve the product’s quality.
- She invests time in researching before making decisions.
- We must invest time in training to increase productivity.
Why it works:
This phrase highlights the value and return you expect from the time spent, making your effort sound wise and purposeful.
4. Pass Time
Passing time refers to spending time casually or in a relaxed way, often to make something boring or slow feel shorter.
Examples:
- We passed time by chatting while waiting for the bus.
- He passes time reading books during long flights.
- She passed time playing games on her phone.
- They passed time watching movies on the weekend.
- I like to pass time by taking walks in the park.
Why it works:
“Pass time” is great when you want to show casual or leisurely use of time, making your tone friendly and easygoing.
Read More: Other Ways to Say “Weed”
5. While Away Time
To while away time means to spend it in a relaxed or enjoyable way, often doing something pleasant to make the time feel shorter.
Examples:
- They whiled away the afternoon at the beach.
- I while away time listening to music during my commute.
- She whiled away the evening reading her favorite novel.
- We while away time playing board games with friends.
- He whiled away time painting when he felt stressed.
Why it works:
This phrase adds a poetic, leisurely feel to your writing, perfect for showing time spent enjoying yourself.
6. Commit Time
To commit time means to promise or dedicate a portion of your time to a task or cause, showing responsibility and seriousness.
Examples:
- She commits time every week to community service.
- I committed time to finishing the report before the deadline.
- They commit time to developing new skills during training.
- He commits time to his family despite a busy work schedule.
- We need to commit time to improving customer support.
Why it works:
“Commit time” sounds strong and responsible, perfect for showing that you take your involvement seriously and follow through.
7. Dedicate Time
Similar to “commit,” dedicating time highlights focus and devotion to a particular activity or goal.
Examples:
- She dedicates time each morning to meditation.
- I dedicate time to practicing my writing daily.
- They dedicated time to preparing for the conference.
- He dedicates time to learning new languages.
- We dedicate time to team-building exercises regularly.
Why it works:
Using “dedicate time” adds a tone of passion and purpose, making your effort sound meaningful and intentional.
8. Engage Time
To engage time means actively involving yourself in an activity, often implying participation or concentration.
Examples:
- The students engaged time working on the group project.
- I engaged time improving my coding skills this summer.
- They engaged time in brainstorming new marketing ideas.
- She engages time volunteering at the animal shelter.
- We should engage time in planning ahead for the event.
Why it works:
“Engage time” gives a sense of active involvement and focus, making your participation sound lively and hands-on.
9. Put in Time
This phrase is informal but effective in showing effort or labor spent on a task.
Examples:
- He put in time to learn how to play the piano.
- I put in time practicing for the marathon every day.
- They put in time fixing the broken equipment.
- She put in time studying for her exams.
- We all need to put in time if we want to succeed.
Why it works:
“Put in time” feels casual and relatable, perfect for everyday speech or writing that wants to sound honest and straightforward.
10. Invest Hours
Like “invest time,” but emphasizing a longer, more specific duration.
Examples:
- She invested hours perfecting her art portfolio.
- I invested hours researching the topic for my paper.
- They invested hours training before the competition.
- He invested hours writing his novel during weekends.
- We must invest hours improving our customer service skills.
Why it works:
“Invest hours” suggests a serious and valuable commitment of time that promises a good return, adding weight to your effort.
11. Take Time
To take time means to deliberately use time for something, often implying careful attention or care.
Examples:
- She takes time to listen carefully to her clients.
- I take time every day to review my goals.
- They took time to thank everyone who helped.
- He takes time to explain things clearly.
- We should take time to celebrate our achievements.
Why it works:
“Take time” highlights patience and thoughtfulness, making your actions feel considerate and intentional.
12. Occupy Time
This phrase means to fill your time with an activity, often implying keeping busy.
Examples:
- She occupies time by gardening on weekends.
- I occupy time reading during long flights.
- They occupy time with hobbies and crafts.
- He occupies time learning new software tools.
- We occupy time helping others in our community.
Why it works:
“Occupy time” is good for showing how you keep yourself constructively busy, adding a sense of productivity to your activities.
13. Pass the Hours
This is a relaxed way to describe spending time, often during less busy or more enjoyable moments.
Examples:
- We passed the hours watching the sunset.
- She passed the hours knitting while chatting with friends.
- I pass the hours playing video games after work.
- They passed the hours exploring the city on foot.
- He passed the hours listening to his favorite podcast.
Why it works:
“Pass the hours” gives a poetic, easygoing feel, perfect for storytelling or casual writing.
See Also: Other Ways to Say “Personal Growth”
14. Use Time
This simple phrase highlights how you apply your time, often implying efficiency or purpose.
Examples:
- She uses time wisely to balance work and family.
- I use time each day to practice mindfulness.
- They use time to improve their skills.
- He uses time effectively during meetings.
- We should use time to set clear priorities.
Why it works:
“Use time” emphasizes purposeful action and efficiency, making your approach sound smart and productive.
15. Make Time For
This phrase means to find or create time in your schedule for something important.
Examples:
- She makes time for exercise every morning.
- I make time for friends despite my busy schedule.
- They make time for learning new technologies.
- He makes time for family dinners regularly.
- We should make time for self-care.
Why it works:
“Make time for” shows intentional effort and good time management, expressing balance and priorities well.
16. Commit Hours
Like “commit time,” but emphasizing a specific, often longer, period dedicated to something important.
Examples:
- She committed hours to organizing the charity event.
- I committed hours to revising my thesis before submission.
- They committed hours to training new employees.
- He committed hours every weekend to community service.
- We committed hours brainstorming ideas for the campaign.
Why it works:
“Commit hours” highlights serious dedication, showing you’re willing to invest significant time and effort.
17. Employ Time
To employ time means to make use of your time effectively for a particular purpose.
Examples:
- She employs time to practice new techniques regularly.
- I employ time wisely by focusing on one task at a time.
- They employ time in research to produce better results.
- He employs time managing his team efficiently.
- We employ time to improve our customer relations.
Why it works:
“Employ time” sounds professional and intentional, emphasizing purposeful use of time to achieve results.
18. Devour Time
This phrase means that an activity takes up a lot of your time, often more than expected.
Examples:
- Learning a new language devours time but is rewarding.
- The project devoured time due to unexpected challenges.
- He devours time playing video games on weekends.
- Writing the report devoured time but improved the final product.
- The construction work devoured time but was completed well.
Why it works:
“Devour time” adds drama and impact, showing how much attention or effort an activity requires.
19. While Away Hours
This phrase suggests spending time in a relaxed, often enjoyable way, making the hours feel pleasant and easy.
Examples:
- We whiled away hours chatting over coffee.
- She whiled away hours reading novels by the fireplace.
- I while away hours listening to jazz music.
- They while away hours hiking during vacations.
- He whiled away hours painting landscapes in his studio.
Why it works:
“While away hours” creates a calm, soothing image, perfect for describing leisurely, happy moments.
20. Put Time Into
Similar to “put in time,” it means actively spending effort or attention on something important.
Examples:
- She put time into improving her public speaking skills.
- I put time into learning how to cook new recipes.
- They put time into designing the company website.
- He put time into fixing his car last weekend.
- We put time into preparing for the annual review.
Why it works:
“Put time into” feels hands-on and practical, showing active involvement and care.
Learn More: Other Ways to Say “Time Frame”
21. Pass Time With
This phrase describes spending time in the company of others or doing specific activities, often casually.
Examples:
- She passes time with her friends on weekends.
- I pass time with my family during holidays.
- They pass time with board games on rainy days.
- He passes time with reading when waiting.
- We pass time with music while working.
Why it works:
“Pass time with” adds a social or activity-focused element, making your time sound enjoyable and interactive.
22. Allocate Hours
This is like “allocate time,” emphasizing a set number of hours assigned to a task or activity.
Examples:
- The teacher allocated hours for project work each week.
- I allocate hours to practice piano every afternoon.
- They allocated hours to research before the product launch.
- He allocated hours for training new staff members.
- We allocate hours for team discussions every month.
Why it works:
“Allocate hours” shows strong time management and planning skills, great for professional contexts.
23. Engage in Activities
This phrase means actively participating in specific actions or tasks during your time.
Examples:
- She engages in activities that improve her fitness.
- I engage in activities like painting to relax.
- They engage in activities that boost team spirit.
- He engages in activities to develop new skills.
- We engage in activities that help the community.
Why it works:
“Engage in activities” sounds active and purposeful, highlighting involvement and energy.
24. Reserve Time
To reserve time means to set aside a particular period for something important or planned.
Examples:
- She reserves time for reading every night before bed.
- I reserve time for meetings in my calendar.
- They reserve time for brainstorming sessions.
- He reserves time to call his family regularly.
- We reserve time for training and development.
Why it works:
“Reserve time” emphasizes thoughtful planning and prioritization, adding professionalism to your wording.
25. Schedule Time
This phrase means to plan specific times for activities, often with calendars or reminders.
Examples:
- She schedules time for workouts early in the morning.
- I schedule time to review my goals weekly.
- They schedule time for client calls in advance.
- He schedules time to prepare presentations.
- We schedule time to check project progress regularly.
Why it works:
“Schedule time” clearly shows planning and discipline, perfect for formal or business writing.
Conclusion
Switching up how you say “spend time” does more than just avoid repetition. It strengthens your writing, makes your message clearer, and gives your words more life and meaning. When you choose the right phrase, you show your readers that you are thoughtful, skilled, and confident with language.
I hope these 25 alternatives help you feel more confident expressing yourself, whether you’re crafting a resume, writing an email, or just chatting casually. Try mixing them in and see how much more your writing can shine!
I’m Leo Knox, the wordplay wizard behind WordsTwists.com where I turn everyday meanings into funny, clever, and creative twists. If you’re tired of saying things the boring way, I’ve got a better (and funnier) one for you!
