have a habit of
/hæv ə ˈhæbɪt ʌv/
Meaning
This expression is used to describe a tendency or a repeated behavior that someone does regularly, often without thinking. It can refer to neutral routines, personal quirks, or mildly annoying behaviors. It is usually followed by a verb ending in '-ing'.
Examples
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I have a habit of checking my phone the second I wake up.
I have a habit of checking my phone the second I wake up.
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She has a habit of interrupting people when she gets excited.
She has a habit of interrupting people when she gets excited.
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My old car has a habit of making a weird clicking sound in the winter.
My old car has a habit of making a weird clicking sound in the winter.
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Do you have a habit of biting your nails when you're nervous?
Do you have a habit of biting your nails when you're nervous?
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He has a habit of leaving his keys in the most random places.
He has a habit of leaving his keys in the most random places.
Common Mistakes
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✗ I have a habit to check my phone.
✓ I have a habit of checking my phone.
'Have a habit of' must be followed by a gerund (verb + ing), not an infinitive (to + verb).
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✗ He is in the habit to drink coffee.
✓ He is in the habit of drinking coffee.
Whether using 'have a habit of' or 'be in the habit of', the preposition 'of' is required followed by an '-ing' verb.
Related Expressions
Practice
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I ___ waking up before my alarm even goes off.
💡 Describe a repeated personal tendency using 'have a...'
Show answer
have a habit of
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My dog ___ barking at the mail carrier every single afternoon.
💡 Remember to conjugate the verb 'have' for the third person singular.
Show answer
has a habit of