read a biography

Meaning

To read a book that tells the true story of another person's life, written by someone else. It is a popular form of non-fiction entertainment and historical learning.

Examples

• I decided to read a biography of Steve Jobs to understand how he built Apple.

  I decided to read a biography of Steve Jobs to understand how he built Apple.

• If you want to understand history, you should read a biography of a major leader.

  If you want to understand history, you should read a biography of a major leader.

• She loves to read a biography of inspiring women whenever she travels.

  She loves to read a biography of inspiring women whenever she travels.

• I am currently reading a biography of Frida Kahlo, and her life was fascinating.

  I am currently reading a biography of Frida Kahlo, and her life was fascinating.

• Instead of watching movies, he prefers to read a biography of famous musicians.

  Instead of watching movies, he prefers to read a biography of famous musicians.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I want to read an autobiography of Einstein written by a historian.

  ✓ I want to read a biography of Einstein written by a historian.

  An 'autobiography' is written by the person themselves. If someone else wrote it, it is a 'biography'.

• ✗ She is reading a life story book of the president.

  ✓ She is reading a biography of the president.

  While 'life story book' is descriptive, 'biography' is the precise and natural noun used in English.

Related Expressions

Practice

• If you want to learn about her life, you should ___.

  💡 Read a book about someone's life written by another person.

  Show answer

  read a biography

• I usually ___ of historical figures during my summer holidays.

  💡 Read a true account of a person's life.

  Show answer

  read a biography