Grammar fix
spend time
use time
to do an activity for a period of time, or to use your time in a particular way.
collocationB1core
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
- 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
Fix the pattern
Pattern: spend time (doing something) / spend time with (someone)
WrongI spend time to study every evening.
RightI spend time studying every evening.
'Spend time' + -ing (or 'time ON something'), not a to-infinitive.
Patternspend time (doing something) / spend time with (someone)
Use it right
Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.
'Spend time' is the natural collocation; 'devote a considerable amount of time' is formal and a touch self-important.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
spend time + activitywith familystudyingon social mediaoutdoors
Don't confuse it
'Spend time' is about how you use your time, not about money. For money, use 'spend money'.