Hobbies | How to Talk About Your Hobbies in English

Talking about hobbies is a common topic in daily conversations. Everyone has different activities they like to do in their free time. However, in natural English conversations, we rarely use the word “hobbies”. Instead, we use phrases like “What do you do in your free time?” or “What did you do this weekend?”

Describing Your Hobbies

Four common sentences to describe your hobbies:

1. I like to…
   • Example: I like to meet up with my friends.
2. I love to…
   • Example: I love to have a good meal with my family.
3. When I have time, I usually…
   • Example: When I have time, I usually have friends over.
4. I wish I had more time to…
   • Example: I wish I had more time to just chill on the couch.

20 Common Hobbies

Let’s practice these sentences with 20 common hobbies:

1. I like to watch TV.
2. I love to go to the movie theater.
3. When I have time, I usually surf on the internet.
4. I wish I had more time to play video games.
5. I like to play the piano.
6. I like to play the guitar.
7. I like to play the drums.
8. I love to listen to music.
9. When I have time, I usually sing.
10. I usually dance.
11. I wish I had more time to go to concerts.
12. I like to learn English.
13. I love to travel.
14. When I have time, I usually take pictures.
15. I wish I had more time to read books.
16. I like to work in the garden.
17. I love to go for a hike.
18. I love to go for a walk.
19. When I have time, I usually play with my dog.
20. I wish I had more time to do yoga.

Avoiding the Word “Hobbies”

Instead of asking “What are your hobbies?”, try these questions:

1. What did you do this weekend?
2. Have you ever…?
   • Example: Have you ever been to Craggy Gardens?
3. What kind of things do you like to do?
4. What do you like to do in your free time?

Asking Follow-Up Questions

Once someone shares their free time activity, use follow-up questions to keep the conversation going:

1. How did you get into that?
   • Example: How did you get into gardening?
2. How long have you been doing that?
   • Example: How long have you been gardening?

Conclusion

Talking about hobbies can make conversations more engaging and help you connect with others. Remember to use these natural phrases and follow-up questions to discuss free time activities without actually using the word “hobbies”.

FAQs

Q1: Why don’t we use the word “hobbies” in natural conversations?

A1: In daily natural English conversations, the word “hobbies” is rarely used. Instead, we ask about activities in indirect ways to make conversations more fluid and natural.

Q2: What are some common phrases to describe hobbies?

A2: Common phrases include “I like to…”, “I love to…”, “When I have time, I usually…”, and “I wish I had more time to…”.

Q3: How can I ask about someone’s hobbies without using the word “hobbies”?

A3: You can ask questions like “What did you do this weekend?”, “Have you ever…?”, “What kind of things do you like to do?”, and “What do you like to do in your free time?”.

Q4: What are some follow-up questions to ask about hobbies?

A4: Follow-up questions include “How did you get into that?” and “How long have you been doing that?”.

Q5: Can discussing hobbies improve conversation skills?

A5: Yes, discussing hobbies can make conversations more engaging and help you connect with others on a personal level.