cycle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cycle" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in various contexts, such as discussing a series of events or processes that repeat over time. Example: "The water cycle is essential for maintaining the Earth's ecosystems and climate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It is important that sport understands and is sensitive to the potential impacts of the menstrual cycle for female athletes.

The Guardian - Sport

It's gone full cycle and it ends on a high note".

The Guardian

A standard duathlon is a 10km run followed by a 40km cycle and a final 5km run, but two new events, in Stockton-on-Tees and Winchester, are more accessible for beginners.

The Guardian - Travel

Now we need to concentrate on the software, getting rid of the sectarian virus and maintaining a cycle of non-violence.

The Guardian

At this stage in the election cycle eight years ago, Obama was neck-and-neck with Clinton, polling around 20% in Iowa.

The Guardian

"The government and its allies need to step up their protection, support services, and prosecutions of abuses to stop this cycle of terror".

The Guardian

"Investments in hard and soft technologies are fuelling a virtuous cycle by supplying cities with yet more new talent and consolidating their place as hubs of innovation and connectivity.

The Guardian

If they're allowed to turn toxic, painful stories from people's lives have the potential to become dangerous, by threatening to tip Uganda's decades-long cycle of violence into a new revolution.

The Guardian

You could: Volunteer at your local community garden Plant some bee-friendly plants on your doorstep Club together to turn some disused land into a veg patch Invite your neighbours over for a clothes mending session Start a car-share scheme or make a pledge with your neighbours to cycle or walk to work or school Host a clothes swap in your village hall or community centre Think you can do it?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In WaterAid's second film, football commentators talk blithely about a player being the most likely to score because he's "on day two of his cycle" and "right in the optimum performance zone this month".

The Guardian - Opinion

The poll of 20,000 people by YouGov for the British Election Study suggests that the Ukip vote will prove much more resilient this time than in the last election cycle.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cycle", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you're referring to a recurring process, a mode of transportation, or another specific meaning. Clarity is key.

Common error

Avoid using "cycle" ambiguously. If the context isn't clear, specify what kind of cycle you mean (e.g., "business cycle", "menstrual cycle", "bicycle").

Linguistic Context

The word "cycle" functions as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it denotes a recurring sequence of events or a period of time. As a verb, it means to ride a bicycle or to put something through a cycle, as Ludwig confirms.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Lifestyle

20%

Opinion

15%

Less common in

Travel

10%

Sport

5%

Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "cycle" is a versatile term functioning as both a noun and a verb, widely used across various contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig. It denotes a recurring sequence, a period of time, or the action of riding a bicycle. Its frequency in News & Media, Lifestyle, and Opinion articles indicates its common usage in general discourse. Ludwig AI identifies the grammatical status as correct. Therefore, understanding its various applications is vital for effective communication. Whether you're describing the water cycle or discussing economic cycles, "cycle" remains a relevant and adaptable word.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rotation

Emphasizes a circular movement or sequence of events.

period

Focuses on a recurring interval of time.

sequence

Highlights the ordered arrangement of events.

rhythm

Suggests a recurring pattern or flow.

process

Focuses on a series of actions leading to an end.

loop

Implies a repetitive circular path or sequence.

repetition

Highlights the act of something occurring again.

pattern

Emphasizes a regular and predictable arrangement.

phase

Refers to a distinct stage in a series of events.

circuit

Implies a closed path or journey.

FAQs

How can I use "cycle" in a sentence?

You can use "cycle" to refer to a recurring series of events (e.g., "the water cycle"), a mode of transport (e.g., "ride a cycle"), or a program setting (e.g., "washing machine cycle").

What are some alternatives to the word "cycle"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "rotation", "period", "sequence", or "process".

Is it correct to say "full cycle" or "full circle"?

While both phrases are commonly used, "full circle" is generally used idiomatically to describe something returning to its origin or initial state. "Full cycle" is more often used to describe a complete iteration of a recurring process.

What is the difference between a "cycle" and a "circle"?

A "circle" is a geometric shape or a group of people or things arranged in a ring. A "cycle" refers to a recurring series of events or a complete iteration of a process, though it can also refer to the vehicle.