exercise

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'exercise' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to physical activity that is done in order to stay healthy or lose weight. For example, "I try to exercise for at least an hour every day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I will continue to exercise my functions as Fifa president until that election".

The Guardian - Sport

Nasdaq's rules state broadly that independent directors cannot have a relationship that "would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director".

The New York Times

Using these figures and the results of the 2010 general election, the exercise modelled the effects of a uniform swing from the old boundaries to new.

The Guardian

McIntyre said that during legal challenges against the tapes handover Boston-based judge William Young, who read all the relevant interviews, described the project as a "bona fide academic exercise of considerable intellectual merit".

The Guardian

Exercise also helps you sleep better, and helps regulate your appetite, two functions that are very much affected by high levels of stress.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Pregnancy had been an exercise in helplessness, but this was so much worse.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The journals that contain them are school exercise books decorated with a collage of old product labels, cocktail recipes and advertisements for patent medicines.

The Guardian - Books

The BBC press office's statement directly contradicted Khawaja's explanation of a prank, saying the accidental tweet had been linked to the training exercise.

The Guardian

The Australia Council Act 2013 says a minister is "unable to give direction in relation to the making of a decision by the council, in a particular case, in relation to the provision of support" but the minister does have the power to direct the council in relation to performance of function and exercise of powers.

The Guardian

But we have consistently made clear our grave concerns about the heavy toll of civilian casualties and have called on Israel to exercise restraint, and to find ways to bring this fighting to an end.

The Guardian

John Crown, a leading cancer specialist and member of parliament, accused the powerful organisation of trying to exercise influence on the medical profession and politicians to prevent limited abortion being made legal for the first time in Ireland.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing general health, use "exercise" to refer to physical activity. For specific programs, consider "workout routine" or "fitness regimen".

Common error

Avoid using "exercise" when a more specific term like "strength training", "cardio", or "yoga" would provide clarity and precision.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "exercise" is either as a noun, referring to physical activity or a task for improvement, or as a verb, meaning to perform physical activity or to use a right or ability. Ludwig AI confirms its versatility through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Lifestyle

25%

Sport

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Science

8%

Academia

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "exercise" is a versatile term functioning as both a noun and a verb, commonly used to describe physical activity or the application of a right or ability. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its widespread usage across various contexts, particularly in news, lifestyle, and sports-related content. While grammatically correct and highly frequent, it's important to consider context to ensure clarity, sometimes opting for more specific terms like "workout" or "training". When using "exercise", remember to consider the formality of the context, although it generally maintains a neutral register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

physical activity

Focuses specifically on the physical aspect of exercise, emphasizing movement and exertion.

workout routine

Highlights the structured and planned nature of an exercise regimen.

fitness regimen

Emphasizes the goal of improving overall fitness through a consistent exercise plan.

training session

Implies a structured period dedicated to improving a specific skill or physical ability.

physical exertion

Stresses the effort and energy expended during exercise.

practice drills

Relates more to skill development through repetitive actions.

exert influence

Focuses on applying power or authority in a specific situation.

apply skills

Highlights the practical application of learned abilities.

implement authority

Concerns the act of putting power or control into effect.

perform duties

Refers to the execution of assigned tasks or responsibilities.

FAQs

How can I use "exercise" in a sentence about health?

You can say, "Regular "physical activity", including "exercise", is crucial for maintaining good health".

What's a good alternative to "exercise" when talking about skill improvement?

Consider using "practice" or "training", depending on the context. For example, "Consistent practice is essential for mastering a musical instrument".

Is it correct to use "exercise" in a formal, business context?

Yes, but ensure it fits the situation. For instance, "The company will "implement" its option to renew the lease" is a formal usage of "exercise" in the sense of using a right.

What are common types of "exercise" people engage in?

Common forms of "exercise" include "cardio", "strength training", and "flexibility exercises" such as yoga or stretching.