Doing regular exercise is a good habit

hirashin

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8 Apr 2004

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• 13 Nov 2017

• #1

Dear native English speakers,
Which would be used?
(a) Getting regular exercise is a good habit.
(b) Taking regular exercise is a good habit.
(c) Doing regular exercise is a good habit.
(d) Having regular exercise is a good habit.

According to my dictionary, British people use (b) and sometimes (d) while Americans use (a). Is that right?

Thanks in advance.

Hirashin

 

diligentcircle

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21 Jun 2017

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• 13 Nov 2017

• #2

Only A for me (USA). I can't speak for Britons.

 

J

johnnyG

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23 Dec 2010

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• 13 Nov 2017

• #3

I would also say (a) is "best", but (c) seems semi acceptable.

I'd understand (b), since I've seen take used as take a meal or take tea, used by Japanese students of English here. Usually, these people are older (older than me!) and might've learned this as a British usage back in the 50s/60s. I think it's analogous to take a break, take a nap, take your medicine, or take five ( = take a five minute break).

In 5/4:

 

hirashin

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8 Apr 2004

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• 13 Nov 2017

• Thread starter
• #4

Thanks for the help, Julimaruchan and johnnyG.