physical activity — exercise
collocationB1IELTS 5+neutralcommon
any movement of your body that uses energy, like walking, playing sports, or doing exercise.
Say it like a native
Textbook It is advisable to engage in regular bodily exertion.
Native You should get some regular exercise.
'Bodily exertion' is clinical; in speech natives say 'exercise' / 'get active'.
Pattern: physical activity (noun, uncountable or countable)
In use
- Doctors recommend at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day to stay healthy.health
- In my opinion, schools should encourage more physical activity because it helps students concentrate better in class.IELTS speaking
Common mistake
✗ I do many physical activities every day.
✓ I get a lot of physical activity every day.
In this health sense 'physical activity' is uncountable; 'exercise' is more natural in speech.
Common collocations
physical activity— physical activity, regular, moderate, get some exercise
Don't confuse it
Unlike 'exercise', which usually means planned or structured movement, 'physical activity' is a broader term and includes all movement.