At the A1 level, 'exercise' is a simple word that means moving your body to stay healthy. You might use it when talking about your hobbies or daily routine. For example, 'I do exercise every morning.' It is usually used as an uncountable noun here, meaning general activity like walking, running, or playing sports. You learn that exercise is good for you and makes you feel strong. You also see it in your English book as 'Exercise 1' or 'Exercise 2', which means a small task you need to do to practice your English. It is one of the first words you learn when talking about health and school.
At the A2 level, you begin to understand that 'exercise' can be both a general activity and a specific task. You learn to use verbs like 'do' and 'take' with exercise. You might talk about different types of exercise, such as 'swimming is a good exercise' or 'I need to do more exercise.' You also understand that in a classroom, an exercise is a specific activity given by a teacher. You can distinguish between 'doing exercise' (physical) and 'doing an exercise' (academic). You start to use the word in more complete sentences to describe your lifestyle and your study habits.
At the B1 level, you use 'exercise' more flexibly. You can discuss the benefits of exercise in more detail, using adjectives like 'regular,' 'strenuous,' or 'gentle.' You understand that exercise is not just for the body but also for the mind, like 'mental exercise.' You are comfortable using it in different contexts, such as 'military exercises' or 'breathing exercises.' You also start to see the word used as a verb ('to exercise'), though the noun remains more common. You can explain why exercise is important for mental health and stress relief, moving beyond just 'staying strong.'
At the B2 level, you encounter 'exercise' in more formal and abstract contexts. You understand the 'exercise of power' or the 'exercise of a right.' You can use the word to describe complex situations, such as 'this project was an exercise in futility' (meaning it was a useless effort). You are aware of collocations like 'exercise caution' or 'exercise discretion.' Your vocabulary is rich enough to use 'exercise' to describe the application of a faculty or a legal right. You also understand the nuances between 'exercise,' 'workout,' and 'training' and can choose the most appropriate word for the situation.
At the C1 level, you use 'exercise' with precision in professional and academic writing. You might discuss the 'exercise of professional judgment' or the 'exercise of democratic rights.' You understand the word's role in legal and political discourse, such as the 'exercise of sovereignty.' You can use the word metaphorically and idiomatically with ease. You are also aware of the historical and etymological roots of the word, which helps you understand its use in classical literature. You can write long essays about the socio-economic factors that influence the 'exercise of healthy choices' in different populations.
At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 'exercise' in all its forms. You can appreciate the subtle differences in meaning in highly technical texts, such as the 'exercise of an option' in finance or 'exercise of jurisdiction' in international law. You can use the word to convey subtle irony or complex abstract ideas. You are familiar with rare and archaic uses of the word and can use it in a variety of registers, from highly formal legal documents to creative literary works. You understand 'exercise' as a fundamental concept of human agency and the application of will.

exercise 30초 만에

  • Exercise primarily means physical activity for health and fitness.
  • It also refers to academic tasks or drills for learning.
  • In formal contexts, it means using a right or power.
  • It can be a noun (the activity) or a verb (to do the activity).

The word exercise is a multifaceted noun that primarily refers to physical activity designed to improve health and fitness. At its core, it represents the deliberate movement of the body to challenge muscles and the cardiovascular system. However, the term extends far beyond the gym. It encompasses mental tasks, academic drills, and the application of rights or powers.

Physical Health
In a biological context, exercise is the act of engaging in physical exertion to maintain or enhance physical fitness and overall wellness. This includes aerobic activities like running and anaerobic activities like weightlifting.

Doctors recommend at least thirty minutes of moderate exercise every day to maintain heart health.

Academic Practice
In education, an exercise is a specific task or set of tasks intended to practice a skill. For example, a grammar exercise helps students master verb tenses through repetition and application.

Please complete the vocabulary exercise on page forty-two of your workbook.

Functional Application
The term also describes the use or application of a faculty, right, or process. For instance, the 'exercise of power' refers to how an authority figure uses their influence or legal rights.

The peaceful protest was a clear exercise of their right to free speech.

The navy is conducting a large-scale maritime exercise in the Pacific Ocean.

Swimming is considered the best form of full-body exercise for low-impact conditioning.

Using the word exercise correctly depends heavily on whether you are discussing physical activity, academic work, or the application of rights. It is a versatile noun that can function as both countable and uncountable, which often confuses learners.

Verb Collocations
We usually 'do' exercise, 'take' exercise, or 'get' exercise. 'Do' is the most common in modern English. Avoid saying 'make exercise', which is a common error for non-native speakers.

I try to do exercise at least four times a week to stay in shape.

Countable vs. Uncountable
When referring to the general concept of physical activity, it is uncountable: 'Exercise is good for you.' When referring to specific tasks or movements, it is countable: 'There are three exercises for your core in this routine.'

The teacher gave us several exercises to help us understand the new math formula.

Abstract Usage
In formal contexts, 'exercise' is followed by 'of' to indicate the application of something: 'the exercise of authority', 'the exercise of caution'.

This project is an exercise in patience and teamwork.

The investor decided to exercise her stock options before they expired.

Gentle exercise like walking is often recommended after surgery.

The word exercise is ubiquitous across various domains of life, from the casual environment of a fitness center to the formal halls of a courtroom or a military base. Understanding these contexts helps in grasping the nuance of the word.

Health & Fitness
In gyms and clinics, you will hear it most frequently. Personal trainers talk about 'exercise routines,' and doctors discuss the 'benefits of regular exercise' for chronic disease prevention.

'You need to incorporate more cardiovascular exercise into your weekly schedule,' the doctor advised.

Education & Academia
In classrooms, teachers use the word to refer to specific learning tasks. Textbooks are often divided into chapters followed by 'review exercises' to test student comprehension.

The professor assigned a coding exercise to help us practice loops and arrays.

Legal & Political
In legal documents, 'exercise' refers to the fulfillment of a duty or the use of a right. You might hear about the 'exercise of jurisdiction' or the 'exercise of constitutional rights.'

The court's exercise of discretion in this case was highly controversial.

The joint military exercise involved troops from three different countries.

Morning exercise is a great way to boost your energy for the day.

Even though exercise is a common word, it presents several pitfalls for English learners, particularly regarding verb choice, countability, and confusion with similar-sounding words.

The 'Make' vs. 'Do' Error
Many learners mistakenly say 'make exercise' because of direct translation from their native language. In English, we always 'do' or 'take' exercise.

Incorrect: I need to make some exercise today.

Correct: I need to do some exercise today.

Pluralization Pitfalls
When talking about physical activity in general, do not use the plural 'exercises'. 'I like exercises' sounds like you like specific drills, whereas 'I like exercise' means you like being active.

Regular exercise (not exercises) is essential for a long life.

Confusion with 'Exorcise'
Though they sound similar, 'exorcise' means to drive out an evil spirit. Confusing these in writing can lead to very strange sentences!

You should exercise your body, not 'exorcise' it (unless you're in a horror movie).

The exercise of one's rights should not infringe upon the rights of others.

Don't forget to do the breathing exercises before the performance.

While exercise is the most general term, several other words describe physical or mental activity. Choosing the right one adds precision to your speech and writing.

Exercise vs. Workout
'Exercise' is broad and can include walking the dog. A 'workout' is usually a more intense, structured period of physical training, often at a gym.

I did a quick exercise session, but tomorrow I have a heavy leg workout.

Exercise vs. Practice
An 'exercise' is a single task. 'Practice' is the repeated performance of an activity to improve a skill over time (e.g., piano practice).

The pianist began her daily exercise of scales to keep her fingers limber.

Exercise vs. Drill
A 'drill' is a highly repetitive and often disciplined exercise, common in sports, the military, or emergency training (e.g., a fire drill).

The fire exercise was actually a mandatory drill for all office staff.

Physical exercise is just one part of an athlete's total training regimen.

Mental exercise, such as puzzles, can help keep the brain sharp in old age.

How Formal Is It?

난이도

알아야 할 문법

Countable and Uncountable Nouns

Collocations with Do and Make

Gerunds as Subjects

Modal Verbs for Advice (should/must)

Prepositional Phrases (of/for)

수준별 예문

1

I do exercise every day.

Je fais de l'exercice tous les jours.

Uncountable noun.

2

Exercise is good for you.

L'exercice est bon pour vous.

Subject of the sentence.

3

Open your book to Exercise 1.

Ouvrez votre livre à l'exercice 1.

Countable noun.

4

Do you like exercise?

Aimez-vous l'exercice ?

Question form.

5

Walking is a simple exercise.

La marche est un exercice simple.

Countable noun with 'a'.

6

We do exercise in the morning.

Nous faisons de l'exercice le matin.

Time expression.

7

My favorite exercise is swimming.

Mon exercice préféré est la natation.

Possessive adjective.

8

She does not like exercise.

Elle n'aime pas l'exercice.

Negative form.

1

You should do more exercise to stay healthy.

Tu devrais faire plus d'exercice.

Modal verb 'should'.

2

The teacher gave us three exercises for homework.

Le professeur nous a donné trois exercices.

Plural countable noun.

3

I go to the gym for exercise.

Je vais à la salle pour faire de l'exercice.

Preposition 'for'.

4

Running is a very popular form of exercise.

La course est une forme d'exercice populaire.

Gerund as subject.

5

He does his exercises every evening.

Il fait ses exercices chaque soir.

Specific routine.

6

We need to finish this exercise before lunch.

Nous devons finir cet exercice avant le déjeuner.

Demonstrative 'this'.

7

Is yoga a good exercise for the back?

Le yoga est-il un bon exercice pour le dos ?

Interrogative.

8

They take regular exercise in the park.

Ils font régulièrement de l'exercice au parc.

Collocation 'take exercise'.

1

Regular exercise can reduce stress levels significantly.

L'exercice régulier peut réduire le stress.

Adjective + noun.

2

The pilot performed a series of emergency exercises.

Le pilote a effectué des exercices d'urgence.

Technical context.

3

Mental exercise is just as important as physical activity.

L'exercice mental est tout aussi important.

Comparison.

4

Lack of exercise is a major cause of health problems.

Le manque d'exercice est une cause majeure.

Compound subject.

5

The soldiers are out on a field exercise.

Les soldats sont en exercice sur le terrain.

Military usage.

6

I find that swimming is the best exercise for me.

Je trouve que la natation est le meilleur exercice.

Relative clause.

7

These exercises are designed to strengthen your core.

Ces exercices sont conçus pour renforcer.

Passive voice.

8

She decided to take up exercise after the holidays.

Elle a décidé de se mettre à l'exercice.

Phrasal verb 'take up'.

1

The exercise of power requires great responsibility.

L'exercice du pouvoir exige de la responsabilité.

Abstract noun.

2

This project was merely an exercise in public relations.

Ce projet n'était qu'un exercice de RP.

Metaphorical use.

3

Citizens must be allowed the free exercise of their religion.

Le libre exercice de leur religion.

Legal right.

4

The navy is conducting a joint exercise with its allies.

La marine mène un exercice conjoint.

Formal military term.

5

You should exercise caution when investing in new companies.

Vous devriez faire preuve de prudence.

Verb usage 'to exercise'.

6

The whole ordeal was an exercise in patience.

Toute cette épreuve était un exercice de patience.

Idiomatic expression.

7

The book contains several challenging review exercises.

Le livre contient plusieurs exercices de révision.

Academic context.

8

Diet and exercise are the twin pillars of health.

Le régime et l'exercice sont les piliers.

Metaphor.

1

The exercise of professional discretion is vital in this field.

L'exercice de la discrétion professionnelle.

Formal academic tone.

2

The treaty ensures the exercise of sovereignty over the territory.

Le traité assure l'exercice de la souveraineté.

Political science context.

3

It was a futile exercise, as the decision had already been made.

C'était un exercice futile.

Critical tone.

4

The company failed to exercise its right to terminate the contract.

L'entreprise n'a pas exercé son droit.

Legal verb usage.

5

The essay is an exercise in critical thinking and analysis.

L'essai est un exercice de pensée critique.

Educational theory.

6

There has been a significant decline in the exercise of voting rights.

Une baisse de l'exercice du droit de vote.

Sociological observation.

7

The athlete's training involves the exercise of discipline and focus.

L'entraînement implique l'exercice de la discipline.

Abstract application.

8

The court questioned the exercise of executive authority.

La cour a contesté l'exercice de l'autorité.

Constitutional law.

1

The philosopher explored the exercise of free will in a deterministic universe.

L'exercice du libre arbitre.

Philosophical discourse.

2

The entire campaign was an elaborate exercise in deception.

Un exercice élaboré de tromperie.

Nuanced rhetoric.

3

The exercise of one's faculties is essential for a flourishing life.

L'exercice de ses facultés.

Aristotelian ethics.

4

The legislation limits the exercise of police powers during protests.

Limite l'exercice des pouvoirs de police.

Legal precision.

5

His poetry is a sublime exercise in linguistic economy.

Un exercice sublime d'économie linguistique.

Literary criticism.

6

The exercise of such an option requires careful timing.

L'exercice d'une telle option.

Financial terminology.

7

The ritual was a symbolic exercise of communal identity.

Un exercice symbolique d'identité.

Anthropological analysis.

8

The monarch's exercise of the royal prerogative is now purely ceremonial.

L'exercice de la prérogative royale.

Historical/Legal nuance.

동의어

반의어

inactivity idleness rest

자주 쓰는 조합

do exercise
take exercise
regular exercise
physical exercise
mental exercise
strenuous exercise
gentle exercise
exercise routine
exercise program
lack of exercise

자주 혼동되는 단어

exercise vs exorcise

exercise vs excise

exercise vs exert

혼동하기 쉬운

exercise vs exorcise

To drive out an evil spirit.

exercise vs excise

A tax or to cut something out.

exercise vs exert

To put forth effort (verb).

문장 패턴

사용법

common confusion

Don't confuse with 'exorcise'.

british vs american

Spelling is generally 'exercise' in both, but some British texts use '-ise' for the verb.

자주 하는 실수
  • I made some exercise.

    We use 'do' for activities.

  • I like to do many exercises.

    Use uncountable for general activity.

  • The exercise of the option was exorcised.

    Don't confuse with 'exorcise'.

  • He is doing an exercise of power.

    Verb form is often more natural for power.

  • I have a lot of exercises to do.

    Context determines countability.

Countability

Remember: 'I like exercise' (general) vs 'I did three exercises' (specific tasks).

Collocations

Always pair with 'do', 'take', or 'get'. Never 'make'.

Pronunciation

The 'c' is soft, like an 's'. EX-er-size.

Formal Usage

Use 'exercise of' when discussing rights or authority in essays.

Military

In news, 'exercise' often means a training drill, not a gym workout.

Daily Life

Use 'regular exercise' to describe a healthy habit.

Study Skills

Exercises are the building blocks of learning any new skill.

Futility

Use 'exercise in futility' to describe a hopeless task.

Rights

To 'exercise a right' means to actually use it, like voting.

Ending

It ends in '-ise', not '-ize' in most contexts, though '-ize' is rare.

암기하기

어원

Latin

문화적 맥락

Key term in constitutional and human rights law.

High emphasis on gym culture and fitness tracking.

Universal use of exercises for skill mastery.

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

대화 시작하기

"What kind of exercise do you enjoy most?"

"Do you think schools give too many homework exercises?"

"How often do you do exercise during the week?"

"Is mental exercise as important as physical exercise?"

"What is the best exercise for losing weight?"

일기 주제

Describe your favorite exercise routine.

Write about a time you had to exercise a lot of patience.

How does regular exercise make you feel?

Discuss the importance of the exercise of free speech.

What is the most difficult academic exercise you have ever done?

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

It is always 'do exercise'. 'Make exercise' is a common mistake and sounds incorrect to native speakers. You can also say 'take exercise' or 'get exercise'.

It depends. When talking about physical activity in general, it is uncountable. When talking about a specific task or movement, it is countable (e.g., 'three exercises').

It is a training activity where soldiers practice combat or maneuvers without actually fighting a real war. It is like a rehearsal for the military.

Yes, you can 'exercise your body' or 'exercise your rights'. It means to put into action or to practice.

It means using the power or authority that someone has, usually in a political or legal context.

Yes, walking is a very common and effective form of low-impact physical exercise.

It is a task at the end of a chapter in a textbook designed to help you remember what you just learned.

The plural is 'exercises'.

It refers to activities like puzzles, reading, or math that keep your brain active and healthy.

It is an idiom meaning an activity that is completely useless and will not achieve anything.

셀프 테스트 180 질문

writing

Write a sentence about your favorite exercise.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Describe three exercises you do at the gym.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Explain why regular exercise is important for students.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Discuss the 'exercise of power' in a small company.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Analyze the exercise of constitutional rights in your country.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Do you like exercise? Why?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write about a grammar exercise you found difficult.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

How can people get more exercise in their daily lives?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

What does 'exercise caution' mean in a business context?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Is the exercise of free speech absolute?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

I do exercise at ___.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

My teacher gives us ___.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Mental exercise includes ___.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

To exercise patience is ___.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

The exercise of sovereignty involves ___.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Exercise is ___.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

I do three ___.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Military exercises are ___.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Exercise of rights is ___.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

An exercise in futility is ___.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'I do exercise every day.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'Please do the grammar exercise.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Explain your exercise routine.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Discuss the importance of the exercise of rights.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Debate the exercise of power in modern politics.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Do you like running?

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

What exercises do you do at home?

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Is mental exercise important?

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

When should you exercise caution?

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Describe an exercise in futility.

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'Exercise is good.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'I do three exercises.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'Regular exercise helps.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'Exercise your rights.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'The exercise of authority.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Do you go to the gym?

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Is walking exercise?

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

What is a fire drill?

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

What is exercise of patience?

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

What is professional discretion?

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'I do exercise.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'Do exercise one.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'Regular exercise is healthy.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'Exercise caution now.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'The exercise of sovereignty.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Identify the word: 'Exercise'.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Identify the word: 'Exercises'.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Identify the word: 'Workout'.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Identify the word: 'Caution'.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Identify the word: 'Jurisdiction'.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen: 'I run.' Is it exercise?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen: 'Task 1.' Is it an exercise?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen: 'Military drill.' Is it an exercise?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen: 'Be careful.' Is it exercise caution?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen: 'Useless task.' Is it an exercise in futility?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:

/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

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