as regular as a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as regular as a" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that occurs consistently or predictably, often followed by a specific comparison. Example: "He arrives at the office every day at 9 AM, as regular as a clock."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"I realised that wanking is mechanical, as regular as a clock.

The Guardian

It remains day after day & week after week as regular as a clock".

The New York Times

But if the shape is not as regular as a circle — if it's, say, amoeba-shaped — counting those points becomes much more difficult.

Princeton University

The regular network of squares, a half-mile to a side, transformed the wildness of the ancient lands into a landscape as regular as a page of graph paper — and which can be discerned from space.

The New York Times

I have had a thing about them ever since I read "Homer Price," Robert McCloskey's children's classic, which involves a doughnut machine that won't stop making doughnuts... ......the doughnuts kept right on rolling down the little chute, just as regular as a clock can tick".

The New Yorker

Its repetitive 'chiff-chaff, chiff-chaff' is as regular as a metronome– though not everyone hears it the same way: in Germany the bird is called a 'zilp-zalp'.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

"It is part of users' rituals, as regular as an inbox," he said.

TechCrunch

Although the rooster's strident wake-up call just before sunrise feels as regular as an alarm clock, the evidence that the birds are somehow driven to herald the dawn has long been anecdotal.

Science Magazine

As regular as clockwork (well, a clock that only strikes once a year) it's time for my review of the new version of iOS – the operating system that powers iPhones and iPads.

BBC

And as regular as clockwork running a few weeks early, the leaks around the new design and improved features of the next OnePlus handset appear.

Forbes

Needless to say, her pleasure is water-based — in the bath, every day, as regular as clockwork, with an egg timer placed nearby to hurry her along.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as regular as a", ensure that the comparison you are making is universally understood to be consistent and predictable. For example, comparing something to a "sunrise" or "clock" is effective because these are widely recognized as consistent phenomena.

Common error

Avoid using overused comparisons with "as regular as a" such as "clockwork" if it does not add value to your text. Instead, try to come up with a fresh comparison that is more specific and relevant to the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as regular as a" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase of comparison, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the consistency or predictability of an action or event. This is supported by Ludwig examples where it describes behaviors and patterns.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Academia

29%

Science

28%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as regular as a" is a grammatically correct comparison phrase used to emphasize the consistency or predictability of an action or event. While Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is usable in written English, it also emphasizes considering original alternatives to avoid overused comparisons. The phrase is most commonly found in news and academic contexts and carries a neutral tone. Remember to ensure your comparison is clear and relevant to the context to avoid cliches.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as consistent as a

Replaces "regular" with "consistent", emphasizing the uniformity of the action or event.

as predictable as a

Focuses on the foreseeability of the event, rather than its rhythmic nature.

with the regularity of a

Shifts the phrasing to a noun-based structure, highlighting the established pattern.

as clockwork

A more concise idiom conveying perfect regularity.

with rhythmic precision like a

Emphasizes the timing and accuracy of the action.

as reliably as a

Stresses the dependability and trustworthiness of the occurrence.

with unwavering consistency like a

Highlights the steadfastness and unchanging nature of the event.

as dependably as a

Similar to "as reliably as a", but with a slightly different connotation of trust.

in a steady rhythm, like a

Focuses specifically on the rhythmic aspect of the action or event.

with the unchanging beat of a

Highlights the constant and unvarying tempo of the action.

FAQs

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

Use "as regular as a" to describe something predictable or consistent. For example, "His visits were "as regular as a" weekly newspaper delivery".

What's a good alternative to "as regular as a"?

Consider using phrases like "as consistent as a", "as predictable as a", or "like clockwork" to express similar ideas.

What does "as regular as a" mean?

The phrase "as regular as a" means something happens with reliable consistency or predictability, often likened to a well-established routine or pattern.

Is it okay to use "as regular as a clock"?

Yes, it is okay to use "as regular as a clock". However, bear in mind it's a common expression so consider other creative alternatives if you want to add originality to your writing.