spend time — use time
collocationB1IELTS 5+neutralcore
to do an activity for a period of time, or to use your time in a particular way.
Say it like a native
Textbook I devote a considerable amount of time to my family.
Native I spend a lot of time with my family.
'Spend time' is the natural collocation; 'devote a considerable amount of time' is formal and a touch self-important.
Pattern: spend time (doing something) / spend time with (someone)
In use
- I like to spend time reading before bed.daily life
- In my free time, I usually spend time practicing the guitar because it helps me relax.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ I spend time to study every evening.
✓ I spend time studying every evening.
'Spend time' + -ing (or 'time ON something'), not a to-infinitive.
Common collocations
spend time + activity— with family, studying, on social media, outdoors
Don't confuse it
'Spend time' is about how you use your time, not about money. For money, use 'spend money'.