a regular thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a regular thing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that is done frequently or on a regular basis. For example, "Going to the gym is a regular thing for me."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It became a regular thing.

Independent

That was a regular thing actually.

Independent

"It's a regular thing over here.

The New York Times

"It's probably a regular thing she does.

The New York Times

(She could make it a regular thing).

The Guardian - Opinion

"It's got to be a regular thing.

The New York Times

"Now it's a regular thing and much more obnoxious.

The New York Times

ME: It'll probably become a regular thing for us.

The New Yorker

" I didn't expect this to be a regular thing".

The New York Times

But a week later he was back, and after that it was a regular thing.

The New Yorker

According to writer/producer Jeffrey Bell, they're going to be a regular thing.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a regular thing" to emphasize the habitual nature of an action or event. For instance, instead of saying "he often visits", try "visiting is "a regular thing" for him."

Common error

While "a regular thing" is widely understood, avoid overuse in formal or academic writing. Opt for alternatives like "common practice" or "frequent occurrence" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a regular thing" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a predicate nominative or object complement. It describes something that occurs habitually or routinely, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a regular thing" is a common phrase used to describe actions, events, or behaviors that occur frequently or habitually. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for a wide range of contexts, though it's best to consider more formal alternatives like "common practice" in academic or business writing. It is frequently found in news and media sources. When you aim to convey the routine nature of something, "a regular thing" is a suitable and easily understood choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a common occurrence

Focuses on the frequency of the event, highlighting it happens often.

a frequent event

Emphasizes the repeated nature of the event.

a usual practice

Highlights that it is the standard or typical way of doing something.

a routine matter

Suggests the event is part of an established series of actions.

a standard procedure

Implies a formal or accepted method.

a daily ritual

Indicates a practice done every day, often with a specific purpose.

business as usual

Suggests a situation is proceeding normally despite potential disruptions.

par for the course

Implies something is typical or expected, often in a negative context.

nothing out of the ordinary

Indicates that something is typical and not remarkable.

part of the process

Highlights that an action or event is an integral step in a larger procedure.

FAQs

How can I use "a regular thing" in a sentence?

You can use "a regular thing" to describe something that happens frequently or is part of a routine. For example, "Having coffee in the morning is "a regular thing" for me."

What are some alternatives to saying "a regular thing"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a common occurrence", "a frequent event", or "a usual practice", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a regular thing" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a regular thing" may sound informal. In formal contexts, consider using alternatives such as "a standard procedure" or "a routine matter".

What's the difference between "a regular thing" and "a usual thing"?

While similar, "a regular thing" emphasizes frequency and habit, whereas "a usual thing" highlights that something is typical or expected. The choice depends on whether you want to stress how often something happens or how typical it is.