a cyclical basis

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a cyclical basis" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that occurs repeatedly or in cycles over time. Example: "The committee meets on a cyclical basis to review the progress of the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

At the moment the automatic fiscal stabilisers kick in and borrowing goes up on a cyclical basis.

The Guardian

Students' unions always have referendums whether to stay or leave, which is on a cyclical basis, so the expectation is that we will have them.

The Guardian

International news operates on a cyclical basis, whereby a story becomes fashionable through what is frequently nothing more than a coincidence of timing, the availability of television footage, or just some wishful thinking on the part of correspondents.

The Guardian - Opinion

It also means renewed space for capital controls, adjustable on a cyclical basis, and the possible IMF issue of reversible special drawing rights (SDRs) for a global countercyclical facility.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mr Strong said in his witness statement: "Cyclical work, which predominately involved the redecorating on a cyclical basis of housing association properties was being allocated by One Housing Group to MFS at illegally enhanced rates.

Independent

Bonackers respond that fish replenish themselves on a cyclical basis, and that their efforts — only about 100 baymen are left at the time — would never empty the Atlantic Ocean, though the legislation could destroy their livelihoods.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

A spokeswoman for Mr Rudd said the appointments for UN secretary general are made on a cyclical geographical basis and the next one would come from eastern Europe.

The Guardian

"Having achieved a cyclical expansion does not constitute the basis for relaxation".

The New York Times

Moreover, occupational engagement involves interpretation and comprehension that emanates from experience, a process that forms the basis for ongoing occupational engagement and a cyclical means of maintaining a sense of self and well-being [ 1, 9].

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

That is a cyclical thing.

The New York Times

MINING is a cyclical business.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a cyclical basis", ensure the context clearly indicates a recurring pattern or process. For example, "The data is reviewed on a cyclical basis to identify trends."

Common error

Avoid using "a cyclical basis" when describing events that are merely sequential or happen only a few times. A true cyclical pattern involves repetition over a longer period.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a cyclical basis" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the frequency or manner in which an action occurs. Ludwig examples show its use across diverse fields.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a cyclical basis" is a grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to indicate that something occurs repeatedly or periodically. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted and appears across various fields including news, science, and encyclopedias. While similar to alternatives like "on a periodic basis" and "on a recurring basis", it specifically implies a return to a starting point in the recurring pattern. When writing, ensure that the context clearly supports the idea of a recurring cycle and avoid using it for simple sequential events.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on a periodic basis

Emphasizes the regularity and timing of the occurrences.

on a recurring basis

Highlights the repetitive nature of the events.

periodically

A more concise adverbial form expressing recurrence.

at regular intervals

Focuses on the consistent spacing between occurrences.

on a rotational basis

Suggests a system where elements take turns in a cycle.

in a cycle

Simply indicates a repeating sequence of events.

on a seasonal basis

Implies a cycle tied to the seasons of the year.

intermittently

Suggests irregular occurrences, but still with a cyclical nature.

from time to time

Indicates that something happens occasionally within a broader cycle.

at certain times

Highlights that the occurrence is time-dependent and part of a cycle.

FAQs

How can I use "a cyclical basis" in a sentence?

Use "a cyclical basis" to describe activities or events that repeat regularly. For example, "Maintenance is performed on a cyclical basis to prevent equipment failure."

What are some alternatives to "a cyclical basis"?

You can use alternatives like "on a periodic basis", "on a recurring basis", or "at regular intervals" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

What does it mean when something happens on "a cyclical basis"?

It means that the event or activity occurs repeatedly in a pattern, returning to its starting point after a certain period.

Is there a difference between "a cyclical basis" and "a periodic basis"?

While similar, "a cyclical basis" implies a return to a starting point, whereas "a periodic basis" simply suggests that something happens at set intervals.