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routine

noun

US /ruːˈtiːn/UK /ruːˈtiːn/

What routine means

The things you do regularly in the same order every day or week.

  • My morning routine is the same every day.

  • Breaking your routine can feel refreshing.

Test yourself

Five questions about routine

  1. Question 1 of 5Meaning

    What does routine mean?

Keys 1 to 4 pick an answer, Enter goes on.

Routine in a sentence

5 more examples of routine in everyday situations.

  • At work

    Checking emails first thing is part of my work routine.

  • Fitness

    She has a simple workout routine she does three times a week.

  • With kids

    A regular bedtime routine helps young children sleep better.

  • As an adjective

    It’s only a routine check, so there’s nothing to worry about.

  • Travel

    Traveling for weeks can completely break your sleep routine.

How to use routine

A routine is a set order of actions. A good routine can make life easier. Routine can be a boring word, too: “It’s just routine” means ordinary, nothing special.

Routine is also an adjective: a routine check-up.

Forms

  • routinesplural
  • routineadjective
  • routinelyadverb

Patterns

  • a daily / morning routine
  • get into a routine
  • stick to a routine
  • a routine check

Common mistakes with routine

  • NotI have a very strict routines every morning.

    SayI have a very strict routine every morning.

    After a, use the singular: a routine, or routines without a.

Routine or habit or schedule?

routine or habit
A habit is one thing you do often, sometimes without thinking, like biting your nails. A routine is a series of actions you do in the same order.
routine or schedule
A schedule is a plan with times and dates written down. A routine is what you actually do regularly, with or without a plan.

Routine is a B2 word. Is that your level? Take the level test or count the words you know.

Routine word family and collocations

The words that go with routine, so you can use it in a whole phrase.

Common collocations

  • a daily routine
  • a morning routine
  • stick to a routine
  • break the routine
  • a bedtime routine

Word family

  • routine (noun, adjective)
  • routinely (adverb)

Similar words

  • regular habits

Questions about routine

Is routine a noun or an adjective?

It is both. As a noun: “my morning routine”. As an adjective it means normal or regular: “a routine check-up”, “routine work”.

What does “stuck in a routine” mean?

It means your days feel the same and boring, and you want some change. People also say “stuck in a rut” with a similar meaning.

The word before

Do you still remember chronic?

One question about the word from 20 October. Remembering a word a day later helps it stay.

Open chronic

One question

  1. What does chronic mean?

Keys 1 to 4 pick an answer.

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