at a regular rate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at a regular rate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a consistent or steady frequency or speed of an action or process. Example: "The train arrives at the station at a regular rate, ensuring passengers can rely on its schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Once the new capital was established, the city grew at a regular rate of about 7 percent a year, soon reaching 50,000 inhabitants, a figure not much exceeded in the days of Athens's greatest power and glory.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The AVR has a clock that "ticks" at a regular rate.

Stanford University

Certain rare stars, known as Cepheids, grow brighter and fainter at a regular rate.

The Economist

It has evolved from experience in airframe manufacture, which found that the number of man-hours spent in building a plane declined at a regular rate over a wide range of production.

Harvard Business Review

Tesla was able to show that alternating current (AC) - which swaps its polarity at a regular rate, 50 times a second in UK mains electricity - was far more efficient (you don't lose anything like as much energy in transmitting it over long distances).

The Guardian - Tech

All mutations are passed on from mother to child, generation after generation at a regular rate.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

For example, one night at its two-star hotels is priced at $63, compared with a regular rate of $100.

The New York Times

When I was employed, time moved at what I perceived to be a regular rate.

Forbes

Mitochondrial DNA gradually accumulates mutations at a roughly regular rate, ticking like a molecular clock.

The New York Times - Science

Following a lengthy period of minimal development, Bella subsequently intensified at a more regular rate as it slowed its forward motion.

Wikipedia

The global production of silver, in contrast, would increase at a more regular rate.

University of California, Berkeley

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing processes, use "at a regular rate" to emphasize predictability and consistency. This helps the reader understand that the process is stable and reliable. For instance, "The machine dispenses the liquid at a regular rate, ensuring consistent product quality."

Common error

Avoid using "at a regular rate" when you actually mean "at a standard rate". "Regular" implies consistency over time, while "standard" refers to a generally accepted or typical value. For example, it's incorrect to say "Employees are paid at a regular rate" if you mean they receive the typical hourly wage.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at a regular rate" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase. It modifies verbs or clauses to describe the manner in which an action occurs, specifying that it happens with consistency or predictability, as supported by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

32%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at a regular rate" is a grammatically sound adverbial phrase used to describe actions or processes that occur with consistency and predictability. According to Ludwig AI, its communicative function is to emphasize steadiness and reliability. While appearing in various contexts, it's particularly common in news, scientific, and academic writing. The phrase enjoys neutral register. Remember to focus on maintaining consistency and predictability when using "at a regular rate" to convey your intended meaning. Alternatives such as "at a consistent pace" or "at a steady rhythm" can add subtle nuances depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at a consistent pace

Emphasizes the steadiness of the action.

at a steady rhythm

Highlights a rhythmic regularity.

at a uniform speed

Focuses on the unchanging nature of the velocity.

at a predictable frequency

Stresses the ability to anticipate the occurrence.

at a constant tempo

Implies a fixed timing in a sequence of events.

proportionally

Indicates a direct relationship or correspondence.

symmetrically

Highlights balanced or mirrored aspects.

methodically

Suggests a systematic and orderly approach.

in equal measure

Highlights balanced quantities or amounts.

by clockwork

Implies precision and automated consistency, often used figuratively.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "at a regular rate"?

You can use alternatives like "at a consistent pace", "at a steady rhythm", or "at a uniform speed" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it grammatically correct to say "at a regular rate"?

Yes, the phrase "at a regular rate" is grammatically correct and commonly used in various contexts to describe something happening with consistency or predictability.

What does "at a regular rate" mean?

The phrase "at a regular rate" means that something occurs or progresses with consistent intervals or amounts over time. It implies a predictable and steady pattern.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the expression "at a regular rate"?

It's appropriate to use "at a regular rate" when describing processes or events that occur with consistent frequency or speed, such as "The heart beats "at a regular rate"" or "The machine dispenses the product "at a regular rate"".