spend
- pass
‘spend’
If someone does something from the beginning to the end of a period of time, you say that they spend the period of time doing it.
We spent the evening talking about art.
I was planning to spend all day writing.
Be careful
Don't say that someone spends a period of time ‘in doing’, ‘on doing’, or ‘to do’ something. Don't say, for example, ‘We spent the evening in talking about art’.
Don't say that someone spends a period of time ‘in doing’, ‘on doing’, or ‘to do’ something. Don't say, for example, ‘We spent the evening in talking about art’.
If someone is in a place from the beginning to the end of a period of time, you can say that they spend the time there.
He spent most of his time in the library.
We found a hotel where we could spend the night.
You can say that someone spends a period of time in another person's company.
I spent an evening with David.
‘pass’
You don't usually say that you ‘pass time’ doing something. Don't say, for example, ‘We passed the evening talking about art’.
However, if you do something to occupy yourself while you are waiting for something, you say that you do it to pass the time.
He had brought a book along to pass the time.
To pass the time they played games.
‘have’
If you enjoy yourself while you are doing something, don't say that you ‘pass’ or ‘spend’ a good time. Say that you have a good time.
The kids are having a good time on the beach.
We had a wonderful time visiting our friends.