reading a book vs reading books

Both 'reading a book' and 'reading books' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Reading a book' is used when referring to the act of reading a specific book, while 'reading books' is used when talking about reading in general or multiple books.

Last updated: March 25, 2024 • 1804 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to the act of reading a specific book.

"reading a book"

This phrase is used when you want to talk about the action of reading a particular book. It emphasizes the singular nature of the book being read.

Examples:

I am currently reading a book about history.
She spends her evenings reading a book before going to bed.

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While I was kidnapped, they made me keep reading a book.
I'm just sitting at home reading a book.
You're reading a book under a lamp.
It's like I'm reading a book.
The boy reading a book is John.
In fact, I see Stewie reading a book.
I was reading a book about the Tarot.
Which became like reading a book you've read before.
It figures you'd be reading a book about cancer.
It's so much easier than reading a book.
And she was reading a book about unsolved FBI cases.
I actually saw him reading a book.
I was sitting here reading a book about driftwood.
Tom sat by the window, reading a book.
Tom stayed up all night reading a book.
And I was sitting there reading a book...
He spent the evening reading a book.
He spent the evening reading a book.
A woman is reading a book in the library.
He was sitting and reading a book.

Alternatives:

reading the book
reading that book
reading this book
reading one book
reading my book

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to the general activity of reading multiple books.

"reading books"

This phrase is used when you want to talk about the general activity of reading books, without specifying a particular book. It indicates a broader reading habit.

Examples:

She loves reading books on various topics.
Reading books is a great way to expand your knowledge.

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I've just laid around reading books about other people doing things.
- I love reading books with him, and...
My father did not understand I need to breathe, reading books.
Some economists have proposed a market solution: Offer cash incentives to kids for getting good grades or high test scores or for reading books.
You don't win wars reading books.
I'd just be sitting in my room all day... watching television or reading books.
You used to sit in the kitchen reading books.
Unfortunately, some people never bother reading books Or their covers.
Now, it must seem strange to you, my life in New York... sitting in an office, reading books.
He would come home and started reading books
She joined the Book-of-the-Month Club and they had her reading books all the time.
I had a vision of 10 girls sitting in a cabin cozily reading books in their matching nightgowns.
I love reading books that inspire us to become more than who we are.
You spend all your time reading books, and looking at numbers and letters like they mean something.
Tom, I don't think you should be reading books like that.
Instead, you're here, holed up, reading books.
Even though I look like this, I enjoy reading books suchas'Imunchongrok'and 'Yodaejiin'.
It tells me that goose-stepping morons like yourself should try reading books instead of burning them.
likes reading books and watching movies, faithful, timid, not very good at sports...
I'll tell you one thing, Victor, despite all those books you've read you are wise because reading books doesn t make you wise.

Alternatives:

reading multiple books
reading various books
reading different books
reading a lot of books
reading many books

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reading a book vs reading books

"reading a book"

"reading books"

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