English · A2 · vocabulary · 4 minutes
Hobbies and free time
Match hobbies to play, go, do, or a dedicated verb.
Understand the choice
Hobby verbs are lexical. Play tennis/the guitar, go hiking/swimming, do yoga, draw, dance, and swim are established patterns.
Core rule: Play + sport/game/instrument; go + -ing activity; do + activity, with many dedicated verbs.
Notice it in context
In my free time, I hike and play the guitar.
En mi tiempo libre hago senderismo y toco la guitarra.
In my free time frames the routine; hike is dedicated verb; play takes instrument with the.
Our team plays volleyball at the club every week.
The sports group plays its game in the organized club weekly.
Team and club appear with play.
I like to draw, dance, and swim.
Drawing, dancing, and swimming are enjoyable to me.
Draw, dance, and swim appear exactly.
What to remember
- Go swimming/hiking uses gerund after go.
- Instruments normally take the: play the guitar/piano.
Common trap: Do not say play swimming or play hiking.