This time could instead be spent

[Anna232]

Can I use "time" or should it be "the time" or "your time" and is "this time" idiomatic? I am not sure the last sentence is grammatically correct because of "time" and "instead". I am sharing my opinion about what is the best way to prepare for a test. Alone or in a group.

In my opinion it is better to prepare for the test alone. When you are with your friends you might start talking about unrelated topics or doing other things which/that can waste "time". "This time" could instead be spent preparing for the test questions.
Perhaps a better way to say that would be "You could spend it on the test questions instead."

 

[jutfrank]

Here's my suggestion:

In my opinion, it is better to prepare for the test alone. When you are with your friends, you might start talking about unrelated topics or doing other things that can waste time which could be spent preparing for the test questions.

 

[emsr2d2]

Can I use "time" or should it be "the time" or "your time", and is "this time" idiomatic? I am not sure the last sentence is grammatically correct because of "time" and "instead". I am sharing my opinion about what is the best way to prepare for a test, alone or in a group.

In my opinion, it is better to prepare for the test alone. When you are with your friends, you might start talking about unrelated topics or doing other things which/that can waste "time". "This time" could instead be spent preparing for the test questions.
Perhaps a better way to say that it would be "You could spend it on the test questions instead."

Note my corrections to your original above.

 

[Anna232]

Here's my suggestion:

In my opinion, it is better to prepare for the test alone. When you are with your friends, you might start talking about unrelated topics or doing other things that can waste time which could be spent preparing for the test questions.

Two questions if you please.
Since "instead" isn't crossed out, is either position correct?

1. "This time" could instead be spent preparing for the test questions.
2. Perhaps a better way to say that it would be "You could spend it on the test questions instead."

 

[emsr2d2]

I'd simply say "... you might start doing other things, when your time would be better spent preparing for the test".

 

[jutfrank]

Two questions if you please.
Since "instead" isn't crossed out, is either position correct?

1. "This time" could instead be spent preparing for the test questions.
2. Perhaps a better way to say that it would be "You could spend it on the test questions instead."

I'm not sure I understand what you're asking me. I haven't used 'instead' at all, as I considered it unnecessary. Read post #2 again.

Are you asking me where I'd position 'instead' if I had to include it?

 

[Anna232]

I'm not sure I understand what you're asking me. I haven't used 'instead' at all, as I considered it unnecessary. Read post #2 again.

Are you asking me where I'd position 'instead' if I had to include it?

Yes. For example, the way I put it.
In my opinion, it is better to prepare for the test alone. When you are with your friends, you might start talking about unrelated topics or doing other things that can waste time which could (instead) be spent preparing for the test questions instead.

 

[Anna232]

I'd simply say "... you might start doing other things, when your time would be better spent preparing for the test".

I used both "that" and "which" because I thought it is a restrictive clause. Could you tell me why it is wrong to use "which"?
In my opinion, it is better to prepare for the test alone. When you are with your friends, you might start talking about unrelated topics or doing other things which/that can waste "time

 

[jutfrank]

... time which could be better spent ...

 

[emsr2d2]

I used both "that" and "which" because I thought it is a restrictive clause. Could you tell me why it is wrong to use "which"?
In my opinion, it is better to prepare for the test alone. When you are with your friends, you might start talking about unrelated topics or doing other things which/that can waste "time

You might start doing other things, which can waste time.
You might start doing other things that can waste time.

In the first, the things that waste time can be anything other than preparing for the test. The simple act of doing other things is what wastes the time.
In the second, "that" refers to specific (even if unnamed) other things.