pass the time

pass the time — idiom

1. to spend your time doing something fun or interesting, usually because you are w

1.慣用語B1
釋義

to spend your time doing something fun or interesting, usually because you are waiting for something else or need to fill a dull stretch of time

例句

Tariro passed the time by reading a novel while she waited for her flight at the airport.

pass the time by + -ing clause

During the long bus ride across the mountains, Hugo and Benjamin passed the time playing card games together.

pass the time + playing card games

同義詞
  • kill time

    More informal; suggests making time go faster rather than enjoying it

  • while away the time

    More literary or old-fashioned; implies a gentle, pleasant activity

  • occupy oneself

    More formal; can describe any activity, not necessarily enjoyable

文法句型

pass the time + -ing (e.g. reading, playing)

pass the time + with + noun phrase

用法筆記

The phrase always includes the definite article 'the' — 'pass time' (without 'the') is not idiomatic in this sense. The activity described is a filler or distraction, not the main purpose of the moment.

常見錯誤

❌I read a book to pass time.
✅I read a book to pass the time.
💡The definite article 'the' is required in this idiom.
❌She passed the time for her friends while they were late.
✅She passed the time reading a magazine while waiting for her friends.
💡The idiom describes what you do to fill a period, not something you do for someone else.