Pastime - past time

Writers have been known to confuse pastime (one word) with past time (two words). Note the necessary space in the phrase past time.

• The single word pastime is a noun meaning 'hobby' or 'occupation' - a way in which one can pass time. (Although the verb has two '-s-'s, the noun pastime, with a single '-s-' does come from it).

• The two words past times (past time in the singular) are actually the adjective past and the noun times (or time). The pair means 'a period in the past', a part of historical interest.

A similar confusion is dealt with at passed - past.