Lesson 2: Talking About Daily Routines

Lesson 2: Talking About Daily Routines

In this lesson, you’ll learn how to describe your daily routines, which is useful for talking about everyday activities. Discussing routines can help establish a connection and offer insights into how people manage their time.

Tutorial

When talking about routines, the simple present tense is most commonly used, as it describes habits or actions that happen regularly. Adverbs of frequency such as always, usually, often, sometimes, rarely, and never help express how frequently each activity occurs.

Here are some useful expressions and phrases to talk about routines:

• I get up at [time]: “I get up at 7 a.m. every day.”
• I work/study from [time] to [time]: “I study from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays.”
• I have [meal] around [time]: “I have lunch around noon.”
• I commute to work/school by [transportation]: “I commute by train to work.”
• After [activity], I like to [activity]: “After work, I like to go for a jog.”
• In the evenings, I usually [activity]: “In the evenings, I usually cook dinner and watch a show.”
• On weekends, I often [activity]: “On weekends, I often go hiking or relax at home.”
• Before bed, I make sure to [activity]: “Before bed, I make sure to read a chapter of my book.”

To ask others about their routines, here are some useful questions:

• What time do you usually get up?
• How do you get to work or school?
• What do you like to do in the evenings?
• Do you have any regular weekend activities?
• What’s your usual bedtime routine?

Answering questions about routines can include a combination of time, frequency, and details about each activity. For example:

• I wake up around 6:30 a.m. and start my day with a quick stretch.
• After lunch, I often take a short walk to clear my mind.
• In the afternoon, I work on projects or study, depending on the day.
• I usually go to bed by 10 p.m. after spending some time reading.

Sample Conversation

Person A: Hey, Oliver! Do you have a typical morning routine?

Person B: Hey! Yes, I do. I wake up around 6:30, make myself a cup of coffee, and read the news for a bit. What about you?

Person A: I get up at 7 a.m. and go straight to the gym. It’s a great way to wake up!

Person B: That sounds nice. I’ve been wanting to start working out in the morning. How long do you spend at the gym?

Person A: Usually around an hour. I’m back home by 8, have a quick shower, and then get ready for work.

Person B: I work from home, so my mornings are a bit more relaxed. I usually start work at 9 a.m. after I finish breakfast.

Person A: Lucky! I have to be at the office by 8:30. Do you do anything in particular during lunch breaks?

Person B: I take a walk outside if the weather’s nice. Otherwise, I just eat lunch at my desk.

Person A: That’s good. I like to get out during lunch, too. It helps break up the day.

Person B: Absolutely. After work, I usually go for a short jog. What do you do after work?

Person A: I tend to meet up with friends or catch up on a series. Sometimes I cook if I’m in the mood.

Person B: Sounds like a good balance! I also try to relax in the evenings by watching a movie or reading.

Quiz