Money and time can be used now or kept for another purpose.

The idea

Spend means use money or pass time doing something. Save means keep money for later or avoid using money or time.

Patterns to compare
VerbMoney and time
spenduse money or pass time doing something
savekeep money for later or avoid using time or money

Examples

  • Mia spends ten euros on lunch.
  • We save money for a new bike.
  • Leo spends an hour reading each evening.
  • Taking the train saves us time.
  • They spent their holiday with friends.
  • I saved five euros by making my own coffee.

Read-aloud uses a synthetic English voice on your device. Quality and availability vary; it does not assess pronunciation.

Watch out

Do not say save time on reading to mean passing time reading; say spend time reading.

Try it yourself

  1. Choose the correct word. I want to ___ money for a trip, so I put some aside each week. (spend / save)

    Show answer or example answer

    save

    save: The money is put aside for the trip.

  2. Choose the correct word. We ___ two hours cooking dinner yesterday. (spent / saved)

    Show answer or example answer

    spent

    spent: The two hours passed while cooking.

  3. Choose the correct word. This shortcut will ___ you ten minutes on your journey. (spend / save)

    Show answer or example answer

    save

    save: The shortcut reduces the journey time.

Use it today

Describe something you spend money on and one way you save time.