[during my available time] vs [when I am available]

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ansonman
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[during my available time] vs [when I am available]

Post by ansonman »

I was embarrassed when someone said this to me. I went to a supermarket and wanted to drop off my resume for a grocery job. When I saw the manager, I asked him, "Could you please accept my resume when you are free?" He replied angrily, "I am always busy." After he finished what he was doing, he came over, smiled and took my resume.

Some of my non-native English speaking friends had the same experience. They think I should say, "when you are available."

We believe "available" is a more polite word than "free" when you are talking to people you don't know well. I have made up two examples using the word, available.

(1) When I am available, I do volunteer work to help other people.

(2) During my available time, I do volunteer work to help other people.

I think (1) is correct. Is it okay to say "during my available time"? Thank you very much.
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Joe
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Re: [during my available time] vs [when I am available]

Post by Joe »

Yes. 1 is correct and 2 is not.
"We are not wholly bad or good, who live our lives under Milk Wood :-| " — Dylan Thomas, Under Milk Wood

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