Not regularly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Not regularly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something does not happen on a consistent or frequent basis. Example: "I exercise not regularly, but I try to stay active when I can."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

'Not regularly.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Bibliographies were sometimes provided, though not regularly.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Screening machines were not regularly used.

The Economist

Huey is not regularly assigned to any train.

The New Yorker

But most members do not regularly request such protection.

The New York Times

Collecting passion withers away if it is not regularly fed.

The New York Times - Arts

That has not regularly been the case since Memorial Day.

The New York Times

Warner, however, could not get the ball deep, not regularly.

The New York Times - Sports

Unlike ESPN, HBO does not regularly televise women's matches.

The New York Times - Style

Old guys are not regularly associated with high crimes. . . .

The New Yorker

Already, Mr Lagardère has disappointed the firm by not regularly attending board meetings.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the frequency of an event or action, consider the specific nuance you want to convey. "Not regularly" is a versatile choice, but alternatives like "occasionally" or "sporadically" might be more precise in certain contexts.

Common error

While acceptable, the phrase "not regularly" can sometimes sound less sophisticated in formal writing. Consider using more precise alternatives like "infrequently" or "on occasion" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not regularly" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause. According to Ludwig AI, it indicates the degree to which an action or event occurs, specifying that it does not happen at consistent intervals or with high frequency. Examples include "I do not regularly buy lottery tickets."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

36%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not regularly" is a grammatically sound and commonly used adverbial phrase that serves to indicate the infrequency of an action or event. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in a wide range of contexts. While versatile, alternative phrases such as "occasionally" or "infrequently" may provide more precision depending on the intended nuance. The phrase maintains a neutral register and appears frequently in science, news, and formal business contexts. As demonstrated by the available examples, "not regularly" effectively communicates that something occurs, but not in a consistent or predictable manner.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Not often

A simpler, more direct way to express infrequent occurrence compared to "not regularly".

Not frequently

A more formal alternative to "not often" and very close in meaning to "not regularly".

Not constantly

Indicates less consistency than "not regularly".

Not routinely

Emphasizes a lack of established procedure compared to "not regularly".

Not consistently

Focuses on the variability of an action, in contrast to the infrequent nature of "not regularly".

Not systematically

Focuses on the absence of a methodical approach, unlike "not regularly" which speaks to frequency.

Not repeatedly

Highlights a lack of repetition, differing slightly from the general infrequency of "not regularly".

Not continuously

Indicates breaks in an ongoing process, whereas "not regularly" implies spaced occurrences.

Not continually

Similar to "not continuously", emphasizing interruption rather than spacing.

Not steadily

Indicates a lack of stability or evenness, differing from the spaced occurrences implied by "not regularly".

FAQs

How can I use "Not regularly" in a sentence?

You can use "Not regularly" to indicate that something does not happen often. For example, "I exercise not regularly, but I try to stay active."

What are some alternatives to "Not regularly"?

Some alternatives to "Not regularly" include "not often", "occasionally", or "sporadically".

Is it better to say "Not regularly" or "Irregularly"?

Both "not regularly" and "irregularly" can convey a similar meaning. "Irregularly" might be more concise, but "not regularly" can sometimes provide a clearer emphasis on the lack of frequency.

Which is more formal, "Not regularly" or "Infrequently"?

"Infrequently" is generally considered more formal than "not regularly". Consider the context and audience when choosing between the two.