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45 Most Common English Phrases for Daily Routines

by Edwin CañasWednesday, May 14 2025

Imagine how smoothly your communication would flow if you could confidently describe your daily routine in English. 

In this article, we’ll explore the 45 most common English phrases divided into 15 practical lists for your morning, midday, and night routines. 

Prepare to enhance your English language skills step by step, starting with what's most personal: your daily life!

15 Common English Phrases for Morning Routines

image of morning routine

This section will present 15 of the most common English phrases used to describe activities performed in the morning. 

This list is designed to cover the typical sequence of morning activities, from waking up to being ready to start the day. Here is the list:

  • I woke up at 6 AM. This is the basic phrase to state the time you become conscious.
  • I hit the snooze button. This means you pressed the button on your alarm to sleep for a few more minutes.
  • I get out of bed. This is the action of leaving your bed.
  • I stretch. This refers to extending your limbs and body to wake up your muscles.
  • I make my bed. This is the act of tidying up your bed after getting out.
  • I go to the bathroom. This is a polite way to say you use the toilet.
  • I brush my teeth. This is the action of cleaning your teeth with a toothbrush.
  • I wash my face. This is the action of cleaning your face with water and soap or cleanser.
  • I take a shower. This is the act of washing your whole body under a spray of water.
  • I got dressed. This means you put on your clothes.
  • I have breakfast. This refers to eating the first meal of the day.
  • I make coffee/tea. This is the action of preparing your morning hot beverage.
  • I check my phone/emails. This is a common modern morning activity to catch up on notifications.
  • I pack my bag. This means you put the necessary items into your bag for the day.
  • I leave the house. This is the action of departing from your home to go to school or work.

15 Common English Phrases for Midday Routines

image of midday routine

Focusing on the middle of the day, this list will present 15 relevant English phrases to describe activities commonly done during the afternoon. 

This includes activities at work, school, or other engagements that fill the latter part of the day. Here is the list:

  • I arrive at work/school at 8 AM. This states the time you reach your midday destination.
  • I start working on my homework. This indicates the beginning of your work activities.
  • I have a meeting with my friend. This refers to a scheduled discussion with someone.
  • I check my emails again. This indicates a second look at your electronic correspondence.
  • I have lunch. This refers to eating the midday meal.
  • I eat in a cafeteria with my friends. This specifies where and who you have lunch with.
  • I take a break. This means you stop working or studying for a short period to relax.
  • I go for a walk. This is a light exercise or leisure activity during the day.
  • I run errands. This means you do short tasks like shopping or going to the post office.
  • I make phone calls. This refers to the act of calling people on the phone.
  • I work on a project. This indicates focused effort on a specific task with a goal.
  • I collaborate with colleagues. This means you work together with your teammates.
  • I attend a class. This refers to going to a scheduled learning session.
  • I prepare for the afternoon tasks. This indicates getting ready for the next set of activities.
  • I continue working until 2 PM. This states the time you keep working until.

15 Common English Phrases for Night Routines

image of night routine

This final section will present 15 common English phrases used to describe activities performed in the evening, leading up to bedtime. 

This list will help you to talk about how you spend your time after the main activities of the day are finished and how you prepare for rest. Here is the list:

  • I finish work/school at 3 PM. This states the time your daytime activities end.
  • I commute home. This refers to the journey from work or school back to your house.
  • I arrive home at 4 PM. This states the time you reach your house in the evening.
  • I relax on the sofa. This means you unwind by sitting comfortably on the couch.
  • I have dinner at 7 PM. This refers to eating the evening meal.
  • I eat with my family/friends. This specifies who you have dinner with.
  • I watch TV/movies. This is a common evening entertainment activity.
  • I read a book. This is another common way to relax before sleep.
  • I do some chores. This refers to completing household tasks.
  • I check social media. This is a common modern evening activity on digital platforms.
  • I prepare for the next day. This indicates getting things ready for tomorrow.
  • I brush my teeth again. This is the second time you clean your teeth in the day, before bed.
  • I wash my face. This is the second time you clean your face, before going to sleep.
  • I get into bed. This is the action of lying down in your bed.
  • I fell asleep at 9 PM. This states the time you lose consciousness and start sleeping.

Also Read: How to Use Should in a Sentence: 30 Examples

Conclusion

Now, with 45 English phrases for daily routines at your fingertips, there's no longer any reason to feel awkward when sharing about your day.

Make this list your starting point, practice in everyday conversations, and witness how your English language skills rapidly develop!

Don’t forget to visit EZClass and EZClass blog to discover more interesting and fun topics.


 

Edwin Cañas

Edwin Cañas

Founder of EZClass

Edwin Cañas is an expert in e-learning, leadership, and educational technology. As COREnglish’s Director of Operations and founder of EZClass, he strives to make learning more engaging and accessible. He also co-authored the "How to Master Grammar for Beginners (Spanish Edition)" book to help Spanish learners master English with ease.

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