frequently

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'frequently' is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adverb, and it describes how often something is done. Example sentence: I frequently take walks in the park when the weather is nice.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

By pursuing his own interest he frequently promotes that of the society more effectually than when he really intends to promote it.

The Economist

Sex and the City actress Sarah Jessica Parker frequently wore his dresses on the red carpet, while her fictional alter-ego Carrie Bradshaw spoke the designer's name in hushed tones.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In a broad-brush speech, which frequently touched on the topic of freedom and Berliners' resilience, he could not fail to mention the concern felt across Europe about more modern-day encroachments on individual liberty, the recent revelations of internet surveillance and US drone warfare – issues which dominated his 25-hour visit to the German capital.

The Guardian

The catchment of indiscretion that is Twitter also exposes just how frequently gender warriors belittle other women.

The Guardian - Opinion

However, he would regret it if the church lost its "credibility" among non-attenders who, he says, frequently feel warmly disposed to it "thanks to generations of love and service".

The Guardian

He participated in protests and congressional hearings and appeared on national television frequently.

The Guardian

The moderate conservative, frequently tipped by Republican insiders as vice-presidential material, made his ambitions for the top job clear with trips to the early primary states of New Hampshire and South Carolina on Saturday, followed by an appearance on NBC's Meet the Press on Sunday.

The Guardian

The plots are boring, the characters dunces, and I find the politics that drive them – from sexual to geopolitical - frequently reprehensible.

The Guardian - Film

Back then, women's "soccer" was frequently depicted as a joke – or even something slightly shameful.

The Guardian - Sport

Many link the increased "official" interest in urban thinking with an attempt to channel the energy of this new middle class: the Muscovites who have done well from the oil-boom years, travel frequently, and wanted to introduce some change at home.

The Guardian

The organisers of London 2012 frequently assert that this summer's Olympics will leave a legacy for our times to rival the Great Exhibition of 1851 or the Festival of Britain 100 years later.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "frequently" to indicate a high rate of occurrence without strict regularity, reserving terms like "regularly" for actions with a set schedule.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "frequently" can sound stilted in casual conversation; opt for "often" or "a lot" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The word "frequently" functions as an adverb of frequency, modifying verbs to indicate how often an action occurs. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically sound. Examples from Ludwig show it modifying verbs like "promote" and "wore".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "frequently" is a versatile adverb used to denote that something occurs often. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and the Ludwig examples reveal its prevalence in news and media, with some usage in scientific and formal contexts. When writing, remember that while "frequently" is appropriate for formal or neutral registers, synonyms like "often" might be a better fit for casual conversation. Understanding these nuances will help you use "frequently" effectively and appropriately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

often

This is a more common and general synonym, applicable in almost all contexts where "frequently" is used.

oftentimes

A slightly more formal synonym for "often", carrying a similar meaning to "frequently".

regularly

Implies a consistent pattern or schedule, suggesting actions occur at fixed intervals.

at frequent intervals

Similar meaning but more emphasis on the spacing of the actions.

repeatedly

Highlights that an action occurs multiple times, emphasizing the repetition rather than the regularity.

commonly

Indicates that something occurs in many instances or is widely prevalent.

in many instances

A phrase that highlights the numerous occurrences of an event or action.

on many occasions

Emphasizes specific instances where something happens, rather than a continuous habit.

generally

Suggests that something is usually the case, though not necessarily with high frequency.

time and again

This idiom emphasizes repetition and persistence, often with a hint of frustration or inevitability.

FAQs

How can I use "frequently" in a sentence?

"Frequently" is an adverb that modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to indicate how often something occurs. For example: "I "frequently visit" the library" or "He is "frequently late" for meetings."

What are some synonyms for "frequently"?

Synonyms for "frequently" include "often", "regularly", "repeatedly", and "oftentimes". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is there a difference between "frequently" and "often"?

While "frequently" and "often" are largely interchangeable, "frequently" can suggest a slightly more formal or systematic occurrence than "often". Choose based on the tone you want to convey.

When should I use "frequently" instead of "sometimes"?

"Frequently" indicates a high occurrence rate, whereas "sometimes" indicates only occasional occurrence. Use "frequently" when something happens a noticeable amount of the time, and "sometimes" when it happens less predictably or less often.