"to waste time" vs "for wasting time"

Question

"to waste time" vs "for wasting time"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'For wasting time' is used when referring to the purpose or reason behind an action, while 'to waste time' is used to indicate the intention or action of spending time unproductively.

Last Updated: March 28, 2024

This phrase is used to express the intention or action of spending time in an unproductive manner.

Examples:

He chose to waste time instead of studying for his exam.
She always finds ways to waste time when she should be working.

Alternatives:

to kill time
to fritter away time

This phrase is used to indicate the purpose or reason behind an action that results in time being wasted.

Examples:

He was scolded for wasting time on social media during work hours.
She was given a warning for wasting time on irrelevant tasks.

Alternatives:

for spending time unproductively
for squandering time

Answer 1

to waste time

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when indicating the intention or action of spending time unproductively.

Answer 2

for wasting time

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when referring to the purpose or reason behind an action.

"to waste time" vs "for wasting time"

to waste time

for wasting time

Related Comparisons