In My Spare Time or On My Spare Time confuses many learners because one small preposition changes natural English completely.Many English learners wonder which phrase sounds right because In My Spare Time follows standard English, while On My Spare Time does not.
This guide uses plain language, examples, example sentences, a comparison, a comparison table, and a memory trick to explain the rule. The correct phrase is in my spare time, and on my spare time is an unnatural expression that feels awkward in English conversation, writing, email, LinkedIn, and other professional platforms.
Understanding standard usage, correct usage, grammar, word choice, sentence structure, and preposition choice helps you avoid a common mistake, reduce confusion, remove uncertainty, improve communication, communication skills, clarity, eloquence, personality, and personal expression, while respecting audience awareness.
Quick Answer
Use “in my spare time.”
Do not use “on my spare time.”
Why?
English speakers use in with periods or blocks of time, while on is usually used for days, dates, and surfaces. That is why “in my spare time” sounds correct and “on my spare time” does not.
In My Spare Time or On My Spare Time?
The correct phrase is “in my spare time.” That is the one native speakers use in everyday English.
Here is the simplest way to think about it:
- In my spare time = during the free time I have
- On my spare time = not standard English and sounds wrong
The problem is not the meaning. People understand what you are trying to say. The problem is the preposition. English does not normally pair on with spare time.
Correct examples
- I like to read in my spare time.
- In my spare time, I go for long walks.
- She paints in her spare time.
- They volunteer in their spare time.
Incorrect examples
- I like to read on my spare time.
- On my spare time, I go for long walks.
- She paints on her spare time.
Those incorrect versions may sound like direct translations from another language. They are understandable, but they are not natural English.
Why “In My Spare Time” Is Correct
The preposition in works well here because it shows a time period or a span of time. When you talk about what you do during a part of your day or life, in is often the right choice.
Think about other common English phrases:
- in the morning
- in the afternoon
- in the evening
- in my free time
- in my spare time
These all use in because they refer to a period, not a specific point.
What “spare time” means
Spare time means the time you are not busy with work, school, chores, or other obligations. It is similar to free time, though spare time sounds slightly more casual and personal.
For example:
- During my spare time, I listen to music.
- In her spare time, she studies photography.
- In his spare time, he fixes old bikes.
The phrase tells the reader or listener what you do when life gives you a break.
Why “On My Spare Time” Is Incorrect
English normally does not use on with spare time. The phrase feels unnatural because on usually points to a day, a date, or a surface.
Common uses of “on”
- on Monday
- on July 22
- on the table
- on the wall
- on the weekend in some varieties of English
Notice that these all work differently from spare time. Spare time is not a date or a surface. It is a period. That is why in fits and on does not.
Why learners make this mistake
Many learners mix prepositions because their first language may use a different structure. In some languages, the equivalent of “on my free time” may sound normal in direct translation. English does not work that way here.
That is why memorizing the whole phrase is useful. Instead of building it word by word, remember the fixed pattern:
in my spare time
“In My Spare Time” vs. “In My Free Time”
These two phrases are close in meaning, and both are correct.
| Phrase | Meaning | Tone | Commonness |
| in my spare time | time not used for work or duties | natural, casual | very common |
| in my free time | time when you are not busy | slightly broader | very common |
Are they interchangeable?
Most of the time, yes.
You can say:
- I like gardening in my spare time.
- I like gardening in my free time.
Both are fine. Still, free time is a little broader, while spare time can sound slightly more personal or relaxed.
Small difference in feel
- Free time often sounds a bit more universal.
- Spare time often sounds a bit more conversational.
That difference is subtle, but it helps when you want your writing to sound natural.
Grammar Rule Behind the Phrase
The grammar rule here is simple:
- Use in for periods of time or parts of the day.
- Use on for days, dates, and surfaces.
- Use at for exact times or specific moments.
Quick comparison table
| Preposition | Common use | Example |
| in | periods of time | in my spare time |
| on | days or dates | on Tuesday |
| at | exact times | at 5 p.m. |
That pattern helps explain why in my spare time is correct.
A helpful memory trick
If you can replace the phrase with during my free time, then in is usually the correct choice.
For example:
- During my free time, I write poems.
- In my spare time, I write poems.
That sounds natural because both phrases point to a time period.
Real-Life Examples You Can Use
Here are natural examples in different settings. These can help you hear how the phrase works in real English.
Everyday conversation
- I like to cook in my spare time.
- In my spare time, I watch documentaries.
- She plays guitar in her spare time.
- We go hiking in our spare time.
Work-related examples
- In my spare time, I learn new design tools.
- I work on personal projects in my spare time.
- He reads industry reports in his spare time.
- She volunteers at a local shelter in her spare time.
School and study examples
- In my spare time, I practice vocabulary.
- He studies coding in his spare time.
- She reviews science notes in her spare time.
- They prepare for exams in their spare time.
Creative examples
- In my spare time, I write short stories.
- She sketches portraits in her spare time.
- He records music in his spare time.
- They take photographs in their spare time.
Common Mistakes and Better Versions
Many people do not make a grammar mistake. They make a preposition mistake. That is easy to fix once you spot it.
| Incorrect | Correct |
| On my spare time, I read books. | In my spare time, I read books. |
| I travel on my spare time. | I travel in my spare time. |
| She cooks on her spare time. | She cooks in her spare time. |
| We study on our spare time. | We study in our spare time. |
| He draws on his spare time. | He draws in his spare time. |
Why these corrections matter
Even if the incorrect version is understandable, it sounds off to native speakers. In writing, small details like this affect how polished your English feels.
When You Might Hear Different Prepositions
There are phrases that sound similar but use different prepositions because the meaning changes.
“On my own time”
This is a different expression. It means you are doing something outside of work hours or outside of someone else’s schedule.
Examples:
- I will finish it on my own time.
- Please do not call me about that on my own time.
Here, on my own time has a different meaning from in my spare time. It is about independence or timing, not simply free time.
“In my own time”
This phrase means at your own pace.
Examples:
- I like to learn in my own time.
- I will finish the course in my own time.
That is another different idea altogether.
“On my free time”
This is also not standard English. The correct form is in my free time.
Similar Correct Expressions
If you want more ways to say the same idea, here are some natural alternatives.
| Expression | Meaning | Example |
| in my spare time | during free hours | I read in my spare time. |
| in my free time | when not busy | I cook in my free time. |
| when I have time | more casual and flexible | I draw when I have time. |
| outside of work | work-related context | I study outside of work. |
| after work | specific time after job hours | I go running after work. |
Which one should you use?
Pick the one that fits your sentence best.
- Use in my spare time for a natural, everyday feel.
- Use in my free time if you want a common alternative.
- Use when I have time if you want a more relaxed phrase.
- Use after work when the timing is tied to your job.
Mini Case Studies
Here are a few short examples that show how the phrase works in real life.
Case study: A job interview answer
Question: “What do you do outside of work?”
Good answer:
- In my spare time, I volunteer at a food bank and study digital marketing.
Why it works:
- It sounds clear.
- It sounds natural.
- It gives useful detail.
Read More: Result In or Result To? Which One Is Correct?
Case study: A social media bio
Bio:
- Writer, coffee lover, and amateur photographer in my spare time.
Why it works:
- It sounds smooth and readable.
- It uses the phrase the way real English speakers do.
Case study: A school essay
Sentence:
- In my spare time, I enjoy reading books about history.
Why it works:
- It is correct.
- It is simple.
- It fits formal enough writing without sounding stiff.
Common Questions Learners Ask
These questions come up often because the phrase looks easy but still causes doubt.
Is “in my spare time” formal?
It can be used in both casual and semi-formal writing. It is neutral and safe in most situations.
Is “spare time” the same as “free time”?
Almost. They are very close in meaning. Free time is a little more general. Spare time is slightly more conversational.
Do native speakers ever say “on my spare time”?
Not in standard English. It sounds incorrect to native speakers.
Can I say “during my spare time”?
Yes. That is also correct.
Examples:
- During my spare time, I paint.
- During my free time, I paint.
A Simple Way to Remember It
Here is the easiest rule:
- In = time period
- On = day, date, or surface
Since spare time is a time period, use in.
That is why the correct phrase is:
in my spare time
Quick Comparison Table
| Phrase | Correct? | Natural? | Best Use |
| in my spare time | Yes | Yes | everyday English |
| in my free time | Yes | Yes | everyday English |
| during my spare time | Yes | Yes | slightly more formal |
| O n my spare time | No | No | avoid it |
FAQs:
Is “in my spare time” or “on my spare time” correct?
“In my spare time” is the correct phrase in standard English. “On my spare time” is not considered natural and is rarely used by native English speakers.
Why is “on my spare time” incorrect?
The noun “time” commonly takes the preposition “in” when referring to free or available time. That is why “in my spare time” sounds natural, while “on my spare time” sounds awkward.
Can I use “in my free time” instead?
Yes. “In my free time” is just as natural as “in my spare time.” Both expressions are widely accepted in everyday conversation and writing.
What are some alternatives to “in my spare time”?
You can say “in my free time,” “during my leisure time,” “when I have free time,” “outside of work,” or “when I’m off.” Choose the one that best matches the situation and tone.
How can I remember the correct phrase?
A simple trick is to remember that we say “in my spare time” just like we say “in my free time.” If “on” sounds odd with “free time,” it will also sound odd with “spare time.”
Conclusion:
The choice between “In My Spare Time or On My Spare Time” is simple once you know the rule. “In my spare time” is the correct and natural expression in standard English, while “on my spare time” is not. Learning this small preposition difference will make your speaking and writing sound more fluent, improve your grammar, and help you communicate with confidence in both casual and professional situations.
