an irregular basis

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an irregular basis" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that occurs at unpredictable or varying intervals rather than on a regular schedule. Example: "The meetings will be held on an irregular basis, depending on the availability of the participants."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

I do have them on an irregular basis.

The Guardian - Sport

He receives unstarted kits from various sources on an irregular basis.

The New York Times

Although the satellite images are only updated on an irregular basis - meaning that pictures of mobile targets would be unusable - some defence experts have said the easy availability of information can increase the risks for military organisations.

The Guardian - Tech

This vast piece, part photographic image, part verbal commentary, documented sightings of a shabbily-dressed man who patrolled Smithfield on an irregular basis, sometimes disappearing for weeks before reappearing on a daily basis, only to slip away again.

The Guardian

Mr. Eskew said that the woman had performed chores around the house in Bethesda, Md., on "an irregular basis" and that Ms. Chavez had "provided her with spending money from time to time".

The New York Times

They may be having a significant effect on the local housing stock – regardless of whether there are many other hosts who sign up and then use the site on an irregular basis.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

Given the limited demand, he tells me the sourcing process happens on a fairly irregular basis: "We buy it from a breeding center from Zumpango, a small town just north of Mexico City.

Vice

The issue of health care utilization by those with arthritis is of particular importance since recent research done in the United States has suggested that individuals with arthritis who receive appropriate care (such as care from a rheumatologist) experience lower rates of long-term disability than those who receive care on a more irregular basis[ 28].

BMC Women's Health

You can place pastry brushes with natural bristles and wooden handles into the dishwasher on a very irregular basis.

WikiHow

These are usually held on an annual or irregular basis, and are usually black tie.

Wikipedia

The category current smokers included participants who smoked on a regular and irregular basis.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing schedules or routines, use "an irregular basis" to clearly convey that something does not happen at consistent or predictable times. For example, "The software is updated on "an irregular basis", so users should check for updates frequently."

Common error

Avoid using "an irregular basis" when you mean something happens frequently or according to a set schedule. Instead, opt for phrases like "regularly", "frequently", or "on a consistent basis" to denote predictable occurrences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an irregular basis" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to indicate that an action or event occurs without a fixed schedule or consistent pattern. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples showcasing its role in describing the timing of actions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an irregular basis" is a common adverbial phrase used to indicate that something occurs without a set schedule. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct and appropriate for describing actions or events that happen at unpredictable intervals. While suitable for various contexts, it's particularly prevalent in scientific, news-related, and general informational writing. Alternatives like "sporadically" or "occasionally" can be used for slight variations in meaning. It's important not to confuse it with terms describing regular or frequent occurrences. Remember to use "an" before "irregular" due to the vowel sound. Ludwig's examples effectively illustrate the phrase's function and purpose, making it a valuable addition to one's vocabulary for expressing non-routine activities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sporadically

Single-word adverb emphasizes the scattered nature of occurrences. Has a slightly more formal tone.

intermittently

Highlights the stopping and starting nature of the occurrences. Suggests a pattern of breaks.

occasionally

Emphasizes the infrequency of the occurrences. Is a more general term.

from time to time

A common idiom that suggests the occurrences are not regular. Is less formal.

now and then

Similar to 'from time to time' but even more casual. Highlights the unpredictable nature.

on and off

Indicates a fluctuating pattern of activity. Suggests a lack of consistency.

at intervals

More formal way of saying something happens periodically but not regularly. More focused on the spacing of occurrences.

haphazardly

Focuses on the lack of planning or order in the occurrences. Implies randomness.

periodically

Suggests occurrences at somewhat regular intervals, but still allows for inconsistency. Less precise than 'regularly'.

erratically

Highlights the unpredictability and possibly the abnormality of the occurrences. Stronger connotation of irregularity.

FAQs

How can I use "an irregular basis" in a sentence?

You can use "an irregular basis" to describe events or actions that do not occur at fixed or predictable intervals. For example, "The consultant visits the office on "an irregular basis", depending on project needs."

What are some alternatives to "an irregular basis"?

Some alternatives to "an irregular basis" include "sporadically", "intermittently", or "occasionally", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "on an irregular basis" or "on a irregular basis"?

"On an irregular basis" is the correct form. The article "an" is used before words that begin with a vowel sound, and "irregular" starts with a vowel sound.

What's the difference between "an irregular basis" and "an inconsistent basis"?

While both phrases imply a lack of regularity, "an irregular basis" focuses more on the timing and frequency of events, while "an inconsistent basis" emphasizes the lack of uniformity or predictability in the way something is done or applied.