Pastime vs. Past Time – Which is Correct?

The correct word for a leisure activity or hobby is pastime, written as a single word. Past time, written as two separate words, is a grammatically correct phrase that refers to time that has elapsed or a previous period, but it is not a noun for a hobby.

Pastime or Past Time – Which is Correct?

The confusion between “pastime” and “past time” stems from the fact that both “past” and “time” are common words, and many compound nouns are formed by joining two words. However, in the case of an activity done for enjoyment, the accepted and correct spelling is the single word, “pastime.” “Past time” functions as an adjective modifying a noun, referring to time that has already occurred or elapsed, or indicating that a deadline has passed.

The Best Trick to Remember the Difference

To remember the difference, think about the meaning you intend:

• If you’re talking about a pleasurable activity or hobby, use the single word: pastime (e.g., “Reading is my favorite pastime.”).
• If you’re talking about time that has gone by or something that is overdue, use the two-word phrase: past time (e.g., “It’s past time for dinner,” or “In past time, traditions were different.”).

Word/Phrase	Part of Speech	Meaning	Example
Pastime	Noun	An activity done for enjoyment in one’s leisure time; a hobby.	Gardening is a relaxing pastime for many.
Past time	Adjective + Noun	Time that has elapsed; a former period; overdue.	It’s past time we addressed this issue.

How to Use Pastime

“Pastime” is a compound noun referring to an activity that someone does regularly for enjoyment rather than work; a hobby or recreation. It is typically used in a straightforward, descriptive tone to identify leisure activities.

Example 1: Collecting stamps has been a popular pastime for generations.

Example 2: During the lockdown, many people discovered new pastimes to fill their days.

Example 3: Chess is a challenging intellectual pastime enjoyed by millions worldwide.

What are the different forms of Pastime?

“Pastime” is a noun and follows regular pluralization rules.

• Singular: pastime
• Plural: pastimes

Etymology of the word Pastime

The word “pastime” originated in the 15th century from the phrase “pass time,” meaning to occupy one’s time agreeably. Over centuries, “pass time” evolved into the single compound noun “pastime,” specifically denoting a recreational activity.

How to Use Past Time

“Past time” is a phrase consisting of the adjective “past” and the noun “time.” It is used to refer to a period that has already elapsed or to indicate that something should have happened or been done already, meaning it is overdue. It does not function as a noun for a hobby.

Example 1: In past time, communication relied heavily on letters and telegrams.

Example 2: The report was due yesterday; it’s past time you submitted it.

Example 3: Looking back on past time, I realize how much things have changed.

What are the different forms of Past Time?

As a phrase, “past time” does not have different forms in the same way a single word does. “Past” remains an adjective and “time” remains a noun.

Etymology of the word Past Time

The phrase “past time” is a direct combination of the individual words. “Past” comes from the Old French “passer,” meaning “to pass,” and “time” comes from the Old English “tima,” referring to a limited period or duration.

Related Concepts

Understanding broader grammatical concepts like compound nouns and adjective-noun phrases can help clarify the distinction between “pastime” and “past time.”

• Compound Nouns: These are nouns made up of two or more words that function as a single unit. “Pastime” is an example of a closed compound noun, where two words are joined without a space or hyphen to create a new meaning.
• Adjective-Noun Phrases: This is a common grammatical structure where an adjective modifies a noun. In “past time,” “past” acts as an adjective describing the noun “time,” indicating that the time has elapsed.

Examples from Media and Literature

• “Reading mystery novels is her favorite pastime on rainy afternoons.” (Usage of “pastime” as a hobby)
• “The old man reminisced about simpler days in past time, before the advent of the internet.” (Usage of “past time” for a former period)
• “For many, birdwatching has become a peaceful and enriching pastime.” (Usage of “pastime” as a leisure activity)
• “It’s past time for the government to take decisive action on climate change.” (Usage of “past time” to mean overdue)
• “His only pastime was meticulously tending to his rose garden.” (Usage of “pastime” as a hobby)

Practice Exercises

Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.

1. Gardening is a relaxing ________ for my grandmother.
2. The meeting should have started an hour ago; it’s ________ to begin.
3. During the pandemic, many people picked up new ________ like baking and crafting.
4. Reflecting on ________, we can see how much society has evolved.
5. Playing board games is a popular family ________ on weekends.

Answer Key

1. pastime
2. past time
3. pastimes
4. past time
5. pastime

Pastime Synonyms

Synonym	Definition
Hobby	An activity done regularly in one’s leisure time for pleasure.
Recreation	Activity done for enjoyment when one is not working.
Amusement	The state or experience of finding something funny or entertaining.
Diversion	An activity that diverts the mind from tedious or serious concerns; a recreation or pastime.
Leisure pursuit	An activity engaged in for enjoyment during free time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: Is “past time” ever written as one word?
No, “past time” should always be written as two separate words when referring to elapsed time or something overdue. The single word “pastime” has a distinct meaning as a hobby or leisure activity.

Question 2: What’s the origin of “pastime”?
“Pastime” originated from the phrase “pass time” in the 15th century, evolving into a single compound noun to specifically denote an enjoyable activity that occupies one’s leisure.

Question 3: Can “pastime” be used as a verb?
No, “pastime” is exclusively a noun. The verb form related to occupying one’s time is “to pass the time.” For example, “We played cards to pass the time.”

Conclusion

In summary, the key distinction lies in the meaning and form: pastime (one word) is a noun referring to a hobby or leisure activity, while past time (two words) is a phrase meaning time that has elapsed or something that is overdue. Remembering that “pastime” is for pleasure and “past time” relates to a period or an overdue event will help you use them correctly.

Pro Tip: Always proofread your writing carefully. Misusing “pastime” and “past time” can subtly alter the intended meaning of your sentences and detract from your professional credibility.