a regular feature of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a regular feature of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that occurs consistently or is a common aspect of a particular context or situation. Example: "The weekly newsletter is a regular feature of our communication strategy, keeping everyone informed about the latest updates."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Question Box is a regular feature of SportsMonday.

The New York Times - Sports

For nurses, interruptions are a regular feature of hospital life.

Harvard Business Review

Violent transitions were a regular feature of Colombian demobilizations.

The Washington Post

"It was a regular feature of our lives," she said.

The New York Times

It has become a regular feature of many protests.

The Economist

Principal's Office is a regular feature of SchoolBook.

The New York Times

These sessions became a regular feature of their remaining afternoons.

The New York Times

Parties are a regular feature of life at Seaside.

The New York Times

She flourished during the brainstorming conference calls that were a regular feature of her new job.

The New Yorker

Drinks there on a Wednesday are a regular feature of life at the centre.

The Guardian

Depression, once a regular feature of my life, is now a distant memory.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a regular feature of", ensure that the context clearly establishes what is considered 'regular'. For example, specify the time frame or circumstances that make the feature recurrent.

Common error

Avoid using "a regular feature of" multiple times in a short piece of writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "a common aspect of" or "a typical element of" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a regular feature of" functions as a modifier, specifically a prepositional phrase, that describes a noun or situation. It indicates that something is a typical or recurring part of something else, adding detail and context. Ludwig's examples confirm its consistent use in describing recurring events or elements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Academia

15%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Science

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a regular feature of" is a versatile and commonly used expression that indicates something is a typical or recurring part of a particular context. According to Ludwig, it functions as a modifier, providing detail and establishing patterns for the reader. Its neutral-to-professional register makes it appropriate for a wide range of writing, particularly in news, academic, and business contexts. While grammatically correct and widely accepted, varying your language and providing clear context can enhance your writing. Remember to explore alternative phrases like "a recurrent feature of" or "a common aspect of" to maintain reader engagement. Ludwig provides ample evidence of this phrase's widespread usage and acceptability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a recurrent feature of

Replaces "regular" with "recurrent", emphasizing repetition.

a periodic feature of

Substitutes "regular" with "periodic", highlighting the scheduled nature.

a steady feature of

Changes "regular" to "steady", implying consistency over time.

a common aspect of

Replaces the entire phrase with a more general description.

a typical element of

Similar to "a common aspect of" but focuses on representativeness.

a frequent component of

Swaps "regular" for "frequent" and "feature" for "component".

a routine part of

Uses "routine" to convey the expected nature of the feature.

a usual characteristic of

Replaces "feature" with "characteristic" and "regular" with "usual".

a consistent element of

Emphasizes the unchanging nature of the feature by using "consistent".

an established part of

Suggests the feature is well-integrated and accepted.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "a regular feature of" to sound more formal?

To sound more formal, consider using alternatives such as "a recurrent feature of", "a consistent element of", or "an established part of", depending on the specific context.

What are some less formal alternatives to "a regular feature of"?

For a less formal tone, you could use phrases like "a common aspect of", "a typical element of", or simply "often happens in" depending on what you are describing.

Is it always necessary to specify what something is a regular feature of?

Yes, clarity is key. Without specifying what the feature is regular of, the phrase lacks context and can be confusing. Make sure to clarify the context, such as "a regular feature of our meetings" or "a regular feature of her writing".

How does "a regular feature of" differ from "a common occurrence in"?

"A regular feature of" implies something is deliberately included or designed to happen, whereas "a common occurrence in" simply means something frequently happens without necessarily being planned. "Debates over the debt ceiling are a regular feature of political life in Washington" suggests such debates are expected and integrated into the political process. If you use common occurrence you will only denote a fact about what happens in Washington.