in a cycle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in a cycle" is correct and is commonly used in written English.
It can be used when referring to repetitive events or processes that happen in a certain order, often repeating themselves over and over again. For example, you could say, "the seasons keep coming around in a cycle of spring, summer, fall, and winter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

She loves cycling, so she trained as a bicycle mechanic and worked in a cycle shop doing bicycle maintenance.

The Guardian

The Atlantic Ocean is in a cycle of frenetic hurricane activity that started a decade ago.

The New York Times

"Everything's in a cycle, isn't it?

The Guardian - Music

They grew up in a cycle.

The New Yorker

They're read every year in a cycle.

The Guardian - Music

So you are trapped in a cycle of invalidation.

The Guardian

British cinemas are stuck in a cycle of risk aversion.

The Guardian - Film

It keeps you in a cycle of poverty".

The New York Times

These things go in a cycle, related to our economy.

The Economist

"We'd been in a cycle of write, record, tour for 10 straight years," Janet sighs.

The Guardian - Music

Offscreen, Ramis and Bill Murray were trapped in a cycle of personal strains.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in a cycle" to describe recurring processes or events, especially when emphasizing repetition or predictability.

Common error

Avoid using "in a cycle" when you mean "in a circle". "Cycle" implies a recurring sequence of events, while "circle" refers to a shape. If you're describing a physical arrangement, "in a circle" is more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a cycle" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to indicate that an action or process occurs repeatedly or follows a recurring pattern. Ludwig provides numerous examples where the phrase describes the cyclical nature of various phenomena.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in a cycle" is a versatile and commonly used prepositional phrase that describes repetitive processes or events. According to Ludwig AI, its grammatical status is correct, and it functions primarily as an adverbial phrase. It appears frequently in News & Media and Science, indicating its broad applicability. The examples found by Ludwig demonstrate its usage in various contexts, from describing natural phenomena to social issues. When using this phrase, remember that it implies a recurring sequence, and avoid confusing it with similar terms like "in a circle". Alternatives include "recurring repeatedly" or "repeating continuously", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

moving cyclically

Directly states the cyclical movement or progression of the process.

stuck in a loop

Conveys a sense of being trapped or unable to escape the repetitive pattern.

repeating continuously

Highlights the uninterrupted repetition of the process, underscoring its ongoing nature.

recurring repeatedly

Emphasizes the repetitive nature of the cycle, focusing on the act of something occurring again and again.

caught in a spiral

Suggests a worsening or intensifying cycle, often with negative connotations.

part of a pattern

Focuses on the structured sequence of events, emphasizing the predictable arrangement.

experiencing a recurrence

Highlights the return of something after a period of absence, emphasizing the cyclic aspect.

going around and around

Illustrates the circular nature of the cycle, indicating a continuous return to the starting point.

following a rhythm

Implies a regular and predictable sequence of events, similar to a musical rhythm.

within a rotation

Emphasizes the cyclical nature as a turning or revolving process, similar to the Earth's rotation.

FAQs

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

You can use "in a cycle" to describe repetitive processes or events. For example: "The seasons change "in a cycle" of spring, summer, fall and winter."

What is a good substitute for "in a cycle"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "recurring repeatedly", "repeating continuously", or "stuck in a loop".

Is it correct to say "stuck in a cycle"?

Yes, "stuck in a cycle" is a common expression used to describe being trapped in a repetitive and often negative situation or pattern.

What does it mean to be "caught in a spiral"?

Being "caught in a spiral" is similar to being in a cycle, but it suggests that the situation is worsening or intensifying with each repetition. It usually has negative connotations.