read a book

Meaning

To look at and understand the written words in a book, usually for pleasure, relaxation, or learning. This is a very common, neutral expression used in everyday conversations when talking about hobbies or quiet activities.

Examples

• I like to read a book before going to sleep.

  I like to read a book before going to sleep.

• He sat in the armchair to read a book about history.

  He sat in the armchair to read a book about history.

• On rainy Sundays, there is nothing better than to read a book.

  On rainy Sundays, there is nothing better than to read a book.

• You should read a book instead of watching TV all night.

  You should read a book instead of watching TV all night.

• I am trying to read a book every month this year.

  I am trying to read a book every month this year.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I love to read book in my free time.

  ✓ I love to read a book in my free time.

  'Book' is a countable noun, so you must use the article 'a' or use the plural form 'books' when speaking generally.

• ✗ She is reading a book of English.

  ✓ She is reading an English book.

  To describe the language or subject of a book, we place the language name as an adjective before 'book' or say 'a book in English', rather than using 'of'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• I usually ___ before I go to sleep to help me relax.

  💡 Look at written words in a printed volume.

  Show answer

  read a book

• Instead of playing video games, you should ___.

  💡 Spend time with a novel or story.

  Show answer

  read a book