spend time on gardening

[AlexAD]

Hello.

Can I use the preposition here: 'I spend most of my spare time on gardening'?

Thanks,

Alex.

 

[Rover_KE]

You could use on but a native speaker wouldn't.

Rover

 

[TheParser]

Hello.

Can I use the preposition here: 'I spend most of my spare time on gardening'?

Thanks,

Alex.

NOT A TEACHER


(1) Teacher Rover has given you and me an excellent answer.

(2) I am delighted to tell you that I found a full and complete

explanation at another helpline.

(a) The moderators allow us members to occasionally link to

other English helplines.

(b) Since I am not smart enough to link, please go to Google

and type: Spend time on gerund preposition.

(i) When the page of results comes up, go to the 6th result

entitled "gerund/ present participle or other topic."

(a) It explains why some grammarians feel that there is a grammatical

difference between "I spend time studying" and "I spend time

on studying." Fascinating stuff for us grammar devotees.

(3) Thanks for asking this question. I learned something new today

about my language.


Respectfully yours,


James


Moderator's edit: Here is the link: http://thegrammarexchange.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/340600179/m/9611087914

 

[Raymott]

You could use on but a native speaker wouldn't.

Rover

It's not so uncommon in AusE. I'd say it (if it were true).

 

[TheParser]

Thanks SO much, Moderator Barb, for linking. This proves that moderators do

nice things, too -- not only delete, close, or lock.


Gratefully yours,


James









James