What is Waste time? The meaning and usage of Waste time in English

The phrase Waste time is composed of two words: "Waste" and "Time", so what meaning do they convey when combined? Let's explore the usage of Waste time below!

I. What is Waste time?

What is Waste? According to the Cambridge Dictionary, Waste functions as both verb and noun in a sentence, meaning: to use too much of something or use something badly when there is a limited amount of it; an unnecessary or wrong use of money, substances, time, energy, abilities, etc.; unwanted matter or material of any type, especially what is left after useful substances or parts have been removed. For example:

• This city produces 50 million tons of household waste each year. 
• Lan wastes a lot of water by taking a bath instead of a shower every day.
• I felt like being there was just a waste. 

What is Time? According to the Cambridge Dictionary, Time functions as a noun in a sentence, meaning: the part of existence that is measured in minutes, days, years, etc., or this process is considered as a whole. For example:

• Tom wants to spend more time with his family. 
• We'd save time on our journey if we went by plane. 

So what does the phrase Waste time mean? It means: wasting time doing something. For example:

• Lisa doesn't want to waste time waiting for the bus. 
• Bob decided not to waste time complaining about the project. 

II. The usage of Waste time

Let’s learn the usage of Waste time with illustrative examples in the table below:

III. Differences between Waste time and Spend time

Waste time and Spend time are often mistakenly confused for one another, as they can both be followed by a verb-ing form or a noun. So what are the differences between these two structures? Let's explore them in the table below!

IV. Waste time exercises with answers

Preppies, let’s reinforce the usage of Waste time with the exercises Below!

1. Exercises

Exercise 1: Write Waste time or Spend time to complete the following sentences (conjugate the verbs if any)

1. It's essential to _______  studying if you want to do well on the upcoming exam.
2. Don't _______ watching TV when you should be studying for your exams.
3. Many successful people advise you to  _______  on personal development and self-improvement.
4. He  _______ procrastinating instead of starting his work early.
5. She realized she had  _______  in a dead-end job and decided to pursue her passion instead.
6. I like to __________ watching movies on the weekends. 
7. Checking social media constantly can __________ that could be used more productively. 
8. Volunteering at the local animal shelter allows me to __________ giving back to the community. 
9. Engaging in idle chitchat during work hours tends to __________ that could be used for more important tasks.
10. Planning a trip with friends is a great way to __________ together. 
11. Procrastinating on important assignments will only __________ in the long run. 
12. I try to __________ reading books that expand my knowledge and broaden my perspectives. 
13. Binge-watching TV shows can __________ that could be devoted to more fulfilling activities. 
14. Participating in a club or hobby allows me to __________ doing something I'm passionate about.
15. Browsing the internet aimlessly is a __________ that could be used more wisely. 

Exercise 2: Conjugate the verbs in the sentences below

1. He wasted time (browse) social media instead of studying for his exams.
2. Don't waste time (argue) over trivial matters; we have more important issues to address.
3. She often wastes time (attend) meetings that could be handled through email.
4. It's a shame to waste time on (keep) a project that has no chance of success.
5. Let's start early and avoid wasting time (wait) for them.

2. Answer

PREP hopes that this article about Waste Time has helped you gain a better understanding of how to use this phrase. If you have any other questions, please leave a comment - PREP will respond as soon as possible!