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spent time in vs spent time on

Both 'spent time in' and 'spent time on' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Spent time in' is used when referring to being physically present in a place or environment, while 'spent time on' is used when talking about dedicating time to a specific activity or task.

Last updated: March 22, 2024 • 4208 views

spent time in

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to being physically present in a place or environment.

This phrase is used to indicate the amount of time someone has been physically present in a specific location or environment.

Examples:

  • She spent time in Paris last summer.
  • He spent time in the library studying for his exams.
  • They spent time in the mountains hiking.
  • I spent time in the garden planting flowers.
  • The children spent time in the playground playing.
  • He'd admitted he spent time in Germany.
  • The profile says he's spent time in prison.
  • I spent time in this town, made a lot of money.
  • Have you spent time in that attic?
  • Unlike you, I never spent time in prison.
  • I know you've spent time in Russia, but we're putting together a European tac team that knows the terrain.
  • Cara, I spent time in a Mord-Sith temple.
  • I was wondering if they know that you're a convicted felon who's spent time in prison.
  • Mimi spent time in a monastery where she was taught that all pain and suffering are illusions.
  • If he spent time in jail or been institutionalized, he could be chronologically older.
  • You have spent time in Africa, Dr. Jacobs.
  • Were you aware he spent time in prison?
  • He spent time in juvie for stabbing another kid, and he's also the one who found the body, so...
  • Did you know Paul Winters spent time in Iran?
  • Her father, the General, spent time in Bosnia... supporting NATO troops in the Bihac Pocket region.
  • You know I spent time in prison, right?
  • He's a heavy drinker and he's spent time in jail.
  • After I had spent time in prison... after I doubted Karma and got hit by a car... after lying for a pretty good while in a coma...
  • Does the fact that Agent Simms has spent time in prison bother you?
  • Mr. Gurdev Singh, the whole of Punjab knows... that the girl has spent time in the police lock-up And who doesn't know how girls in the lock-ups are treated

Alternatives:

  • stayed in
  • visited
  • lived in
  • relaxed in
  • explored

spent time on

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to dedicating time to a specific activity or task.

This phrase is used to indicate the amount of time someone has dedicated to a particular activity, project, or task.

Examples:

  • She spent time on her homework.
  • He spent time on his art project.
  • They spent time on planning the event.
  • I spent time on learning a new language.
  • The team spent time on improving their performance.
  • But he spent time on the mother, beat her.
  • I've spent time on the road, sir.
  • I think the doctor spent time on me just from curiosity.
  • Ruffles claims a lot of things, maybe that's why Ruffles once spent time on death row.
  • Jules, did you know that as a kid, He spent time on the pageant circuit?
  • I think we've spent enough time on my look.
  • Emma has spent more time on me than anyone else.
  • Rosa said she spent some time on the property.
  • I barely spent any time on this decision.
  • Frankie spent some time on the couch.
  • I've spent enough time on that for one day.
  • Spent some time on the dark side of the hacker world.
  • I've already spent more time on that than I should. Let's just do our jobs.
  • Clearly, you haven't spent much time on my street.
  • It kind of annoyed me, because it was one of many things Cappie spent more time on than me.
  • And I have a feeling that you spent more time on your hair this morning than she did.
  • And I have a feeling that you spent more time on your hair this morning than she did.
  • Lieutenant Commander spent more time on the Hill than she did at the Pentagon, but that goes with her job.
  • On reflection I think we could have spent more time on that had we been allowed to do so.
  • I think we have spent enough time on this point and everything has been decided.

Alternatives:

  • devoted time to
  • invested time in
  • focused on
  • worked on
  • dedicated time to

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