do an exercise

USAGE SUMMARY

'do an exercise' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used when suggesting activities people can do to become physically active, or to emphasize the importance of physical exercise in becoming healthy. For example: "It's important to do an exercise every day to stay healthy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

She asked everyone to do an exercise in automatic writing.

The New Yorker

Each time you do an exercise, you input the number of repetitions and weight.

The New York Times - Sports

Patell: On the first day of class students do an exercise where they need to redesign the oral hygiene experience.

Stanford University

We do an exercise at the beginning of class to send home the message: 'You're not designing for yourself.

Stanford University

One night, Doug has us do an exercise: after the break, we are going to tell a story from our lives, off the cuff.

The New Yorker

Then you have to do an exercise in your head about taking it to Prague or somewhere in eastern Europe, or Canada, or America.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

Do not push yourself to do an exercises that hurt you.

WikiHow

I just did an exercise to help me grow.

The Guardian - Books

She likes to have the lunch, and does an exercise class twice a week.

The New York Times

They recently did an exercise where they put in an Iskander missile there.

The Guardian

Does an exercise training program improve the quality of sleep in middle-aged and older adults with sleep problems?

Journal of Physiotherapy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone, specify the type of "exercise" for clarity (e.g., "do an exercise that strengthens your core").

Common error

Avoid using "do an exercise" without specifying the type or purpose, as it can be too vague. Always provide context for better understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "do an exercise" functions primarily as an imperative or instructional phrase. It suggests performing a specific action. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which indicates its correct usage in suggesting activities for physical activity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

33%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Science

12%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "do an exercise" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is primarily employed to instruct or suggest the performance of a physical activity. Ludwig examples highlight its presence across diverse contexts, including news articles, academic papers, and general guides, showing that the phrase enjoys broad applicability. When using "do an exercise", ensure clarity by specifying the type or purpose of the activity for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

work out

A shorter, more casual way to say "do an exercise".

perform a workout

Replaces "exercise" with a more specific term related to physical activity.

engage in physical activity

Uses a broader term for "exercise", suitable for general contexts.

carry out an exercise

Emphasizes the execution of a specific activity.

follow an exercise plan

Indicates adherence to a structured schedule.

complete an exercise routine

Adds the aspect of following a structured plan.

go through a routine

Highlights the process of completing a pre-set exercise list.

undertake a fitness activity

Formal alternative for "exercise", suitable for health or wellness contexts.

try a training drill

Focuses on a specific type of physical practice.

practice a physical regimen

Emphasizes a structured and disciplined approach to exercise.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "do an exercise" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives such as "undertake a fitness activity" or "engage in physical activity".

What's a simpler way to say "do an exercise"?

A simpler and more common way to say "do an exercise" is to just say "work out".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "do an exercise"?

It's appropriate when you want to suggest or instruct someone to perform a specific physical activity or when discussing training routines.

Is there a difference between "do an exercise" and "complete an exercise routine"?

"Do an exercise" refers to a single instance of performing a physical activity, while "complete an exercise routine" implies following a structured set of exercises.