a routine

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a routine" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a regular or habitual set of actions or procedures that someone follows. Example: "Every morning, I follow a routine that includes exercise, breakfast, and reading."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

A routine morning.

Independent

IT IS a routine.

The Economist

Settled for a routine par.

The New York Times

That's a routine commercial allegation.

The New York Times

Now he has a routine.

The New York Times - Health

They agree on a routine.

The New Yorker

"You need a routine.

The Guardian

He has a routine.

The New York Times

I have a routine.

The New York Times

It's become a routine.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Keep the to a. Routine.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a daily or regular activity, using "a routine" helps to emphasize predictability and consistency. Use it to set expectations or highlight established habits.

Common error

Avoid repeatedly using "a routine" without synonyms. Vary your language by using alternatives like "habit", "practice", or "procedure" to keep your writing engaging and precise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a routine" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage in diverse contexts. For example, "Having a routine helps" showcases its role as a subject.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

40%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a routine" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed noun phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, used to describe regular and habitual activities. It's prevalent in news, media, and general writing contexts, denoting predictability and structure. For effective communication, remember to use synonyms to avoid redundancy and maintain reader engagement. Using "a routine" helps emphasize the consistency and habitual nature of specific actions, schedules, or procedure.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a regular procedure

Emphasizes the systematic and consistent nature of the action.

a set pattern

Highlights the established and predictable nature of the actions.

an established habit

Focuses on the habitual aspect, suggesting something done repeatedly.

a daily grind

Conveys a sense of monotony or repetitive effort.

a fixed order

Stresses the immutability and sequence of steps involved.

a standard practice

Highlights that the routine is a commonly accepted way of doing something.

a structured plan

Emphasizes the organized and deliberate nature of the routine.

a typical day

Describes a usual or normal day, often involving repetitive actions.

a well-worn path

Suggests a familiar and often repeated course of action.

business as usual

Implies that events are proceeding according to the normal routine.

FAQs

How can I use "a routine" in a sentence?

You can use "a routine" to describe a regular set of actions, such as "I have "a morning routine" that helps me start the day" or "Following "a daily routine" can improve productivity".

What are some alternatives to saying "a routine"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a habit", "a procedure", "a practice", or "a schedule".

Is it better to say "a routine" or "an routine"?

The correct form is "a routine". The article "a" is used before words that begin with a consonant sound.

What's the difference between "a routine" and "a habit"?

While both terms describe regular actions, "a routine" often implies a structured and intentional sequence of activities, while "a habit" can be more subconscious or less deliberately planned.