Lesson 13: Describing Daily Routines and Habits

In this lesson, you’ll learn how to describe daily routines and habits. This is an essential skill for discussing your lifestyle, getting to know others, and developing conversations about personal schedules and activities.

Tutorial

Here are some common phrases for talking about daily routines:

I usually [activity]: e.g., “I usually wake up at 6 a.m.”
Every day, I [activity]: e.g., “Every day, I go for a walk after breakfast.”
On weekdays, I [activity]: e.g., “On weekdays, I work from 9 to 5.”
In the evenings, I [activity]: e.g., “In the evenings, I read a book.”
I’m in the habit of [activity]: e.g., “I’m in the habit of checking my emails first thing in the morning.”

To ask others about their routines, try these questions:

What do you usually do in the mornings?
What’s your daily routine like?
How do you spend your evenings?
Do you have any habits before going to bed?
What time do you usually start work?

To describe how often you do something, use these adverbs of frequency:

Always: e.g., “I always drink coffee in the morning.”
Usually: e.g., “I usually exercise after work.”
Often: e.g., “I often call my parents in the evening.”
Sometimes: e.g., “I sometimes watch TV before bed.”
Rarely: e.g., “I rarely eat out on weekdays.”
Never: e.g., “I never skip breakfast.”

Sample Conversation

Person A: What’s your morning routine like?

Person B: I usually wake up at 6:30 a.m., have a quick workout, and then take a shower.

Person A: That sounds refreshing! Do you eat breakfast at home?

Person B: Yes, I always have breakfast at home. I usually make oatmeal and coffee. How about you?

Person A: I’m not much of a breakfast person, but I do start my day with a cup of tea. I also like to read the news before heading to work.

Quiz

1. Which phrase could you use to describe a habit?

A. I’m in the habit of going for a run every morning. B. Where do you work? C. Could you help me?

Correct! “I’m in the habit of going for a run every morning” describes a habit.

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2. How might you ask someone about their routine?

A. Do you like movies? B. What’s your daily routine like? C. What’s your favorite food?

Correct! “What’s your daily routine like?” is a question about someone’s routine.

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3. Which adverb of frequency indicates an action that happens regularly but not always?

A. Always B. Rarely C. Often

Correct! “Often” indicates an action that happens regularly but not always.

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4. What phrase would you use to describe an evening routine?

A. Every evening, I go for a jog. B. What’s the weather like? C. Could you pass the salt?

Correct! “Every evening, I go for a jog” describes an evening routine.

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5. How would you express that you don’t do an activity at all?

A. I sometimes do it. B. I never do it. C. I often do it.

Correct! “I never do it” indicates that you don’t do an activity at all.

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Lesson 13: Describing Daily Routines and Habits