activity

activity
ac‧tiv‧i‧ty S2 W1 /ækˈtɪvəti, ækˈtɪvɪti/ noun (plural activities)1. [uncountable and countable] things that people do, especially in order to achieve a particular aim:
    Everyone is free to engage in peaceful political activity.
    fund-raising activities
    Regular physical activity helps to control your weight.
2. [countable usually plural] something that you do because you enjoy it:
    leisure activities
    outdoor activities such as hiking or climbing
3. [uncountable] a situation in which a lot of things are happening or a lot of things are being done:
    The office was suddenly full of frantic activity.
    The farm was always a hive of activity at this time of year.
     

COLLOCATIONS

(for Meanings 1, 2 & 3)

■ verbs
   ▪ take part in an activity (also participate in an activity formal) The children were encouraged to take part in several different activities.
   ▪ engage in an activity formal (=take part) Police suspect he may have engaged in criminal activities.
   ▪ be involved in an activity The men were involved in terrorist activities.
   ▪ do an activity He doesn't do a lot of physical activity.
■ ADJECTIVES/NOUN + activity
   ▪ political activity Political activity is closely controlled by the government.
   ▪ economic activity The current level of economic activity will influence business confidence.
   ▪ business/commercial activity Internet shopping is a rapidly developing area of business activity.
   ▪ human activity There was no sign of any human activity.
   ▪ criminal/illegal activity The bar was being used for illegal activities.
   ▪ terrorist activity The police took extra measures to protect the public against terrorist activity.
   ▪ outdoor activities The college is well situated for students who are interested in outdoor activities.
   ▪ physical activity It's important to do some kind of regular physical activity.
   ▪ mental activity Your mental activity starts to slow down as you grow old.
   ▪ leisure activities I don't have much time for leisure activities.
   ▪ classroom activities He didn't really take part in classroom activities.
   ▪ cultural activities There is plenty of opportunity for children to express themselves in creative and cultural activities.
■ phrases
   ▪ the level of activity The level of economic activity has increased.
■ COMMON ERRORS
    ► Do not say 'make an activity'. Say take part in an activity or be involved in an activity.
    Do not say 'sport activity'. Say sports activity.