"like reading a book" vs "like reading books"

Question

"like reading a book" vs "like reading books"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Like reading a book' is used when comparing an activity to the act of reading a single book, while 'like reading books' is used when comparing an activity to the act of reading multiple books.

Last Updated: March 25, 2024

This phrase is used when comparing an activity to the act of reading a single book. It implies a comparison between the activity and the experience of reading a book.

Examples:

Learning to cook is like reading a book; you need to follow the steps in order.
Understanding her emotions is like reading a book; it takes time and patience.

Alternatives:

like reading a novel
like reading an article
like reading a story
like reading a poem
like reading a chapter

This phrase is used when comparing an activity to the act of reading multiple books. It implies a comparison between the activity and the experience of reading books in general.

Examples:

Studying for exams is like reading books; you need to cover a lot of material.
Traveling to different countries is like reading books; you learn about different cultures and histories.

Alternatives:

like reading novels
like reading articles
like reading stories
like reading poems
like reading chapters

Answer 1

like reading a book

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Answer 2

like reading books

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"like reading a book" vs "like reading books"

like reading a book

like reading books

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