read a magazine

Meaning

This phrase refers to looking at and understanding the articles, stories, and pictures in a periodic publication. People often do this to relax, pass the time, or learn about specific hobbies like fashion, sports, or cooking.

Examples

• I like to read a magazine while waiting for the doctor.

  I like to read a magazine while waiting for the doctor.

• She bought a coffee and sat down to read a magazine.

  She bought a coffee and sat down to read a magazine.

• Do you still read a magazine in paper format, or do you prefer digital?

  Do you still read a magazine in paper format, or do you prefer digital?

• He likes to read a magazine about cars every weekend.

  He likes to read a magazine about cars every weekend.

• I don't have time to read a book, but I can easily read a magazine.

  I don't have time to read a book, but I can easily read a magazine.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I read a journal every morning with my tea.

  ✓ I read a newspaper every morning with my tea.

  In some languages, a word similar to 'journal' means a daily news publication. In English, a daily news print is a 'newspaper', while a 'journal' is an academic publication. A general entertainment publication is a 'magazine'.

• ✗ She is looking a magazine.

  ✓ She is reading a magazine.

  If you are focusing on the text and content, use the verb 'read'. If you are looking at the pictures, you must include the preposition 'at' (e.g., 'looking at a magazine').

Related Expressions

Practice

• I bought this fashion weekly because I wanted to ___ on the train.

  💡 Look at articles and photos in a softcover publication.

  Show answer

  read a magazine

• Instead of looking at your phone all afternoon, why don't you ___?

  💡 An activity involving printed articles and pictures.

  Show answer

  read a magazine