Choosing between “In My Spare Time” or “On My Spare Time” becomes easy once you know the correct phrase and basic grammar rules. Many learners stay unsure, but this simple guide gives a clear answer.
In standard English language, in my spare time is the accepted expression because it follows prepositional phrases and general rules. While on my spare time appears in spoken English, most native speakers do not consider it correct usage. Knowing this distinction, difference, and proper usage improves understanding, proficiency, communication, and formality across different contexts, various contexts, and every context, while ensuring clear writing and showcasing strong English skills.
From my experience in writing, chatting, and every conversation with a friend, I found that time phrases often confuse people. When you talk about hobbies or interests, in my spare time always sounds right and helps convey a natural message. Common examples include read novels, work out, learn guitar, or build apps in your free time. These simple phrases appear in daily conversations, helping advanced learners and beginners feel more confident instead of starting to hesitate before speaking. As you learn and explain these patterns, remember that a few exceptions exist, but they never replace the rules. Lists, tables, memory tricks, and regular practice help you remember the right expression over time at every level of learning while using natural, everyday English.
In My Spare Time vs. On My Spare Time: The Short Answer
The correct phrase is in my spare time.
You can use it when talking about activities you do when you are not working, studying, or handling responsibilities. It fits naturally in casual conversation, school writing, interviews, resumes, and everyday speech.
On my spare time sounds unnatural because English does not normally use on with this kind of time expression.
Here is the simplest way to remember it:
Use “in” for general periods of time. Use “on” for days, dates, and surfaces.
That rule is not perfect for every situation, but it is a strong guide for this phrase.
Why “In My Spare Time” Is Correct
“In My Spare Time” and Time as a Period
English often uses in when talking about time as a stretch or period rather than a specific point.
Think about these common phrases:
- in the morning
- in the afternoon
- in the evening
- in my free time
- in my spare time
- in summer
- in 2026
- in a few minutes
In each case, in helps show that you are talking about a block of time, not a date or a surface.
That is exactly why in my spare time works. “Spare time” means the time left over after work, school, chores, or other responsibilities. It is a period of availability, not a place and not a day.
The Phrase Is Fixed and Natural
Some grammar questions have more than one acceptable answer. This is not one of them.
“In my spare time” is a fixed, standard expression. Native speakers use it without thinking. It sounds smooth because it matches the usual English pattern for talking about leisure time.
For example:
- In my spare time, I like reading and cooking.
- She studies languages in her spare time.
- In my spare time, I volunteer at a local animal shelter.
These all sound natural because the phrase fits the way English handles time-related expressions.
A Helpful Grammar Rule
Here is a useful memory line:
If the phrase describes a time span, “in” is often the safer choice.
That does not mean “in” is always correct. English has plenty of exceptions. But for spare time, it is the right preposition.
Why “On My Spare Time” Is Incorrect
“On” Usually Does Different Work
The preposition on usually appears in expressions involving:
- days: on Monday
- dates: on July 4
- specific occasions: on my birthday
- surfaces: on the table
- devices or media: on the phone, on TV, on the internet
Notice what these have in common. They point to a specific day, a surface, or a defined platform. That is not what “spare time” means.
So when someone says “on my spare time,” the phrase clashes with normal English structure.
Why It Sounds Wrong to Native Speakers
Native speakers do not usually hear spare time as a surface, event, or date. They hear it as a general time period. Because of that, on feels out of place.
The sentence may be understandable, but understandability is not the same as correctness. English speakers often understand nonstandard phrases from context. Still, the phrase can sound like a direct translation from another language rather than natural English.
Common Cause of the Mistake
A lot of learners make this error because they translate word for word from their first language. That strategy can be useful in the beginning, but it can also cause preposition mistakes.
Prepositions are one of the trickiest parts of English because they do not always follow a clean logical system. They depend on patterns, collocations, and fixed expressions. In other words, they are partly grammar and partly habit.
That is why memorizing the full phrase is smarter than trying to build it from scratch each time.
Examples of “In My Spare Time” in Real Contexts
Casual Conversation
- In my spare time, I like to go hiking.
- I usually read in my spare time.
- In my spare time, I play guitar and watch old movies.
School or Academic Writing
- In my spare time, I enjoy researching topics that interest me.
- Students often use their spare time to review lessons or pursue hobbies.
- In my spare time, I practice writing to improve my skills.
Job Interview Answers
- In my spare time, I volunteer at a community center.
- I spend my spare time learning new software tools.
- In my spare time, I work on side projects that sharpen my skills.
Resume or Professional Profile Language
You should be careful here. A resume is not usually the place for long hobby descriptions. Still, if you include a brief interests section, in my spare time can appear in an interview answer or a personal profile.
For example:
- In my spare time, I mentor younger students in math and writing.
- I use my spare time to stay current with industry trends.
“In My Spare Time” vs. “In My Free Time”
These two phrases are very close in meaning. In many cases, they are interchangeable.
What They Mean
Both expressions describe time outside your main responsibilities. Both refer to leisure time, personal time, or downtime.
Small Difference in Tone
- In my free time sounds slightly more common in everyday speech.
- In my spare time can sound a little more polished or deliberate.
The difference is small. Most of the time, either one works.
Examples
- In my free time, I cook and travel.
- In my spare time, I cook and travel.
Both are correct. The choice depends on tone, style, and personal preference.
Comparison Table
| Phrase | Correct? | Natural? | Typical Use |
| In my spare time | Yes | Yes | Casual and professional contexts |
| In my free time | Yes | Yes | Casual conversation and everyday writing |
| On my spare time | No | No | Nonstandard English |
If you are not sure which one to use, in my free time may sound slightly more relaxed. In my spare time works beautifully when you want a clean, polished feel.
Why English Prepositions Cause So Much Trouble
Prepositions look small, but they carry a lot of weight. One tiny word can change whether a sentence sounds native-like or off.
Why They Are Hard
English prepositions do not always translate neatly from other languages. A preposition that means “in” in one language may become “on” or “at” in English depending on the phrase. That is why direct translation often fails.
Examples of Preposition Patterns
Compare these expressions:
- in the morning
- on Monday
- at night
- in a few days
- on time
- at work
There is often no single rule that explains every case. Instead, English uses patterns that speakers learn through exposure.
What This Means for “Spare Time”
You should not ask, “Does spare time feel like a surface or a date?” That line of thinking will probably mislead you.
A better question is, “What phrase do native speakers actually use?”
And the answer is clear: in my spare time.
Common Mistakes Related to “Spare Time”
“On My Spare Time”
Incorrect. Use in my spare time instead.
“At My Spare Time”
Also incorrect. At usually points to a specific place, point, or occasion.
“During My Spare Time”
This is grammatically possible, but it sounds less natural when you are simply describing a hobby or routine activity.
- During my spare time, I read.
This is understandable. - In my spare time, I read.
This sounds more natural.
“On Free Time”
Incorrect in standard English.
Use:
- in my free time
- in my spare time
“In My Leisure Time”
This is correct, but it sounds more formal and less common in everyday speech.
Quick Correction Table
| Incorrect Phrase | Better Version |
| On my spare time | In my spare time |
| At my spare time | In my spare time |
| On free time | In my free time |
| During my spare time | In my spare time |
| At leisure time | In my leisure time |
How to Use “In My Spare Time” in Different Contexts
In Casual Speech
This is the most natural setting for the phrase.
- In my spare time, I like to paint.
- I usually walk my dog in my spare time.
In Social Introductions
When people ask about your interests, this phrase fits well.
- In my spare time, I enjoy photography and cooking.
- I spend my spare time reading and listening to podcasts.
In Interviews
This is especially useful when you want to sound balanced, active, and interesting.
- In my spare time, I take online courses to keep learning.
- I use my spare time to work on personal development projects.
In Writing About Yourself
If you are writing a bio, profile, or “about me” section, the phrase can add warmth.
- In my spare time, I enjoy exploring local coffee shops and writing short stories.
It gives readers a quick sense of personality without sounding forced.
Can “In My Spare Time” Help on a Resume?
Yes, but only in the right way.
A resume is not a diary. You should not stuff it with hobbies just to fill space. Still, a short mention of interests can be useful when it supports your professional image.
When It Helps
It can help if the activity shows:
- leadership
- creativity
- discipline
- teamwork
- communication
- community involvement
- technical growth
When to Avoid It
Leave it out if:
- it does not support the job
- it takes up too much space
- the resume is already crowded
- the employer does not value personal-interest sections
Better Resume-Style Examples
- In my spare time, I mentor students in math and reading.
- I use my spare time to build websites and improve my coding skills.
- In my spare time, I volunteer with local community programs.
These examples show initiative. They also tell the reader something useful about your character and habits.
Weak vs. Strong Usage
| Weak Example | Stronger Example |
| In my spare time, I watch TV. | In my spare time, I study industry trends and build projects. |
| In my spare time, I do random things. | In my spare time, I volunteer and learn new skills. |
| On my spare time, I like music. | In my spare time, I like music production and songwriting. |
The best resume language gives evidence. It does not just name an activity. It reveals value.
Alternatives to Saying “In My Spare Time”
You do not have to repeat the same phrase every time. English gives you several natural alternatives.
Common Alternatives
- In my free time
- When I have time
- Outside of work
- Outside of school
- During my downtime
- When I am not working
- After work
- On weekends
- In my leisure time
How to Choose the Right One
- Use in my free time for most everyday situations.
- Use outside of work or outside of school when the context is clear.
- Use during my downtime when you want a slightly more relaxed or modern tone.
- Use in my leisure time when you want a more formal feel.
Examples
- When I have time, I like to cook.
- Outside of work, I volunteer at a shelter.
- During my downtime, I read historical fiction.
- In my leisure time, I garden and sketch.
Each option carries a slightly different flavor. None of them are exact clones of in my spare time, which is useful because variety keeps writing fresh.
Common Activities People Mention in Their Spare Time
This phrase often appears when people describe hobbies or routines. Here are common examples that sound natural in English.
Popular Spare-Time Activities
- reading
- cooking
- exercising
- playing sports
- learning languages
- traveling
- photography
- gardening
- writing
- volunteering
- listening to music
- playing an instrument
- gaming
- watching films
- coding
- drawing
How to Make the Sentence More Interesting
Instead of saying only:
- In my spare time, I read.
you can add detail:
- In my spare time, I read novels that help me unwind and think more deeply.
- In my spare time, I read about history, language, and psychology.
Details make the sentence feel more human. They also help the reader picture your routine.
A Small Rule of Thumb
If the activity sounds vague, make it more specific.
- Not just I cook
but I try new recipes and cook for my family - Not just I write
but I write short essays and journal entries - Not just I exercise
but I go for long walks and lift weights
Specificity brings language to life.
A Small Case Study: The Difference a Preposition Makes
Imagine two people answering the same question in a job interview:
Candidate A:
“On my spare time, I learn Excel and build reports.”
Candidate B:
“In my spare time, I learn Excel and build reports.”
Candidate B sounds more polished immediately. The sentence is small, but the effect is real. The interviewer may not consciously analyze the preposition, but they will feel the difference.
This happens because language creates impressions fast. A tiny grammar slip can make speech seem less natural, even if the meaning is clear.
Now imagine an even stronger response:
“In my spare time, I build dashboards and learn new data tools so I can keep improving my skills.”
That version does more than say what you do. It shows initiative, discipline, and growth. The phrase becomes part of a stronger personal story.
That is the real power of using the correct expression.
Why This Phrase Matters More Than You Think
Some people dismiss preposition errors as minor. In everyday life, they may be. But in writing, they often shape tone and credibility.
It Affects Fluency
Fluent English is not only about vocabulary. It is also about using phrases the way native speakers expect them to appear. A small phrase like in my spare time tells readers that you understand natural English patterns.
It Affects First Impressions
People notice language quality quickly. If you are writing a bio, answering an interview question, or introducing yourself online, the wrong phrase can make the message feel less polished.
It Helps You Learn Other Expressions
Once you understand why in my spare time is correct, you can apply the same thinking to other time expressions and prepositional phrases.
That saves time. It also helps you sound more confident.
Read More: Everything or Every Thing: What’s the Difference?
How to Remember the Correct Phrase
Use This Memory Trick
Think of spare time as a container of hours. You are talking about the time inside that container, so in fits better.
That image is not perfect grammar science, but it helps with recall.
Repeat the Full Expression
Do not memorize only the preposition. Memorize the whole phrase:
- in my spare time
- in my free time
- in my leisure time
When you learn common chunks of English this way, they come out more naturally later.
Practice with Real Sentences
Try saying or writing:
- In my spare time, I practice writing.
- In my spare time, I study new topics.
- In my spare time, I like to cook and relax.
The more you use the phrase in real sentences, the less likely you are to forget it.
FAQs
Is in my spare time grammatically correct?
Yes. In my spare time is the grammatically correct phrase in standard English. It follows the normal rules for prepositional phrases and is widely used by native speakers.
Why is on my spare time considered incorrect?
On my spare time is generally not accepted in standard English because the preposition on is not used with this expression. Most style guides and native speakers prefer in my spare time.
Can I use in my spare time in formal writing?
Yes. In my spare time works well in both formal and informal contexts. It sounds natural in essays, emails, conversations, and everyday speech.
What are some examples of in my spare time?
You can say, “I read novels in my spare time,” “I work out in my spare time,” or “I learn guitar in my spare time.” These are natural and correct examples.
How can I remember the correct phrase?
A simple memory trick is to connect in with a period of time. Whenever you talk about your free time or hobbies, remember to use in my spare time instead of on my spare time.
Conclusion
The choice between “In My Spare Time” or “On My Spare Time” is straightforward once you understand the grammar. In my spare time is the correct and natural expression in standard English, while on my spare time is generally considered incorrect. Learning this small difference helps you communicate more clearly, write with greater confidence, and sound more natural in both spoken and written English.
