cycling

USAGE SUMMARY

"cycling" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it as a noun or a verb. For example, "I enjoy cycling around town on the weekends" or "Cycling is a great form of exercise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Sport

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In the cycling sense, "nervous" refers to a vicious spiral in which the entire peloton is aware that the safest place to be is in the front 20 or so – this is a basic racing principle taught at junior level – with the upshot that every team leader with a purpose wants to be in the first 20 riders with as many of their team-mates as can manage it.

The Guardian - Sport

The name of the project is meant to reflect the popular cycling culture in the Netherlands, where most journeys are made by bike.

The Guardian

The funk, the cycling looped guitars, Afrobeat and Rave.

The Guardian - Music

The Islamic republic's state news agency, Irna, quoted Mohammad-Ali Sabour, the head of Iran's national triathlon federation, saying that Gerami had secured an official blessing and was nominated after the International Triathlon Union (ITU) agreed to set up a tent where she could change into her cycling and running clothes after swimming.

The Guardian

It also shows a remarkable contrast with what cycling (and most sports) has become today in the light of doping scandals and other excesses.

The Guardian - Books

So nothing would hold the cause of cycling back more than registration.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And apart from that, the freedom of cycling is a big draw to many of us.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Interestingly, while we're on the subject of Japan, it has a large cycling population and many cycling laws – all of which are completely ignored.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

If you are hiking, cycling or running to work, a rucksack makes more sense than a briefcase.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Only in 2010, 11 years after Armstrong had told the rider Christophe Bassons to leave the sport instead of "making accusations [about drug use] that aren't good for cycling" did the US Justice Department begin a federal investigation to see if crimes had been committed, followed a year later by the US Anti Doping Authority pursuing the allegations against Armstrong.

The Guardian - Music

That's cycling, that's my job and I'm pretty well paid to do it".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cycling" to refer to the sport, recreation or mode of transport. For example, "Cycling is a great way to stay fit".

Common error

Avoid using "cycling" when the intended meaning is the action of cycling itself. For example, instead of "He is cycling to work", consider "He cycles to work" or "He is going for a cycle to work".

Linguistic Context

"Cycling" primarily functions as a noun, often referring to the sport, recreation, or mode of transport involving bicycles. Ludwig AI confirms this with various examples showcasing its usage in different contexts. It can also act as a gerund, functioning as a noun (e.g., "Cycling is fun").

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Lifestyle

20%

Travel

18%

Less common in

Sport

16%

Science

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Cycling" is a versatile term primarily functioning as a noun to describe the activity of riding bicycles, whether for sport, recreation, or transportation. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread and correct usage across various contexts. It is deemed grammatically correct and very common, particularly in News & Media, Lifestyle, and Travel. When using "cycling", it's important to consider the context and choose the most appropriate synonym if needed, such as "bike riding" or "bicycle riding". Remember to avoid misusing "cycling" as a direct substitute for the verb "cycle".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bike riding

Focuses on the action of riding a bike, emphasizing the recreational or practical aspect.

bicycle riding

Similar to "bike riding" but specifies the type of vehicle used.

pedaling

Highlights the action of using pedals to propel a bicycle.

road biking

Specifies that the cycling activity is done on paved roads.

mountain biking

Indicates cycling done on off-road trails, often in mountainous areas.

cycle touring

Emphasizes longer cycling trips, often for leisure or travel.

bicycle racing

Highlights the competitive aspect of cycling.

touring by bike

Emphasizes the use of a bicycle for travel and exploration.

riding a bicycle

A more descriptive and less concise way of expressing "cycling".

two-wheeled travel

A broader term encompassing any form of travel using a two-wheeled vehicle.

FAQs

How to use "cycling" in a sentence?

"Cycling" can be used as a noun (e.g., "Cycling is a popular sport") or as a verb (e.g., "He enjoys cycling in the park").

What can I say instead of "cycling"?

You can use alternatives like "bike riding", "bicycle riding", or "pedaling" depending on the context.

Is "cycling" a gerund or a present participle?

"Cycling" can be both. As a gerund, it functions as a noun (e.g., "Cycling is her favorite activity"). As a present participle, it's part of a continuous verb tense (e.g., "She is cycling to school").

What's the difference between "cycling" and "cycle"?

"Cycling" is a noun or a present participle, referring to the activity. "Cycle" is a verb meaning to ride a bicycle, or a noun referring to a recurring series of events.