cycle through

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cycle through" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It means to move through a series or sequence in a circular or repetitive manner. For example: "The presentation slides will cycle through automatically every 30 seconds." This means that the slides will repeat in a loop every 30 seconds. Another example: "I like to cycle through my favorite songs while driving." This means the person enjoys listening to a variety of their favorite songs in a repetitive manner.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Cycle through!

Huffington Post

You cycle through your passwords.

The New Yorker

Cycle through mountains?

The Guardian - Travel

They cycle through.

The New York Times - Health

Render the life cycle through art.

The Washington Post

LC: You cycle through these feelings of anxiety and confidence.

The Guardian - Music

What it actually does is cycle through four volume levels.

The New York Times - Tech

Many patients now cycle through several medicines before dying.

The New York Times - Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

They have cycled through yellow, red and shades of gray.

The New York Times

Others cycled through complex waves of emotion, including a bit of paranoia.

The New York Times - Tech

Others cycled through one apartment in Delray Beach, Fla.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cycle through" when you want to emphasize a repetitive or iterative process. For example, "The application will cycle through different screens during the installation process."

Common error

Avoid using "cycle through" when the action is linear and does not involve repetition. A sentence like "I will cycle through the report once" is less appropriate than "I will review the report once".

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "cycle through" functions primarily as a dynamic verb, indicating a process or action. It describes the act of moving through a series of items, options, or stages in a sequential and often repetitive manner, as shown in the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrasal verb "cycle through" is a versatile and frequently used expression that describes moving through a series of items or stages in a sequential and often repetitive manner. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts. It is particularly common in news and media, academic writing, and wiki articles. While "cycle through" is generally considered neutral in tone, understanding its usage nuances, such as avoiding it in strictly linear, non-repetitive contexts, is essential for effective communication. Alternatives like "go through" or ""rotate through"" may be more appropriate depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rotate through

Highlights a cyclical pattern with elements taking turns.

move through

A more general term for progressing from one stage to another.

revolve through

Similar to rotate, emphasizing a circular or recurring sequence.

go through

Focuses on the process of experiencing something, often implying a challenge or difficulty.

progress through

Highlights a steady advancement from one point to another.

iterate through

Emphasizes a repetitive process of refinement or improvement.

work through

Implies a methodical and deliberate approach to a problem or task.

run through

Implies a quick or cursory review or practice.

switch between

Focuses on alternating between two or more options.

pass through

Suggests a brief or transient experience.

FAQs

How can I use "cycle through" in a sentence?

You can use "cycle through" to describe a process of moving through a series of items or steps in a repeating sequence. For example, "The slideshow will "rotate through" the images automatically".

What is a good alternative to "cycle through"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "go through", "iterate through", or ""rotate through"".

Is it correct to say "circle through" instead of "cycle through"?

While "circle through" might be understood, "cycle through" is the more common and idiomatic phrasal verb. "Circle through" may sound awkward or less natural to native English speakers.

What does "cycle through" mean in the context of software?

In software, "cycle through" often refers to iterating or "moving through" a set of options or states using a command or interface element. For example, pressing a button to cycle through different settings.