irregular

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "irregular" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that does not follow a regular pattern or is not consistent. Example: "The irregular shape of the rock made it difficult to fit into the sculpture."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That could involve irregular troops, cyber attacks and inflaming tensions with ethnic Russian minorities in nations seen as part of the country's "near abroad" by Moscow.

The Guardian

In Katine, the two rainy seasons each year have been disrupted, with rainfall now irregular.

The Guardian

With military operations inside Ukraine's borders an unappealing prospect for many of the country's professional soldiers, irregular units are springing up as Kiev struggles to wrest back control of Donetsk and Luhansk regions from the grip of pro-Russia fighters.

The Guardian

Under this rule, we would only release media once [potential irregular immigrants] were transferred ashore (at the earliest) … The fact that people will learn of certain details through Rescue Coordination Centre broadcasts … that does not mean that we greatly exacerbate the problem but (sic) announcing it ourselves.

The Guardian - Opinion

The disproportionately high death toll in the Mediterranean, the report concludes, "reflects a dramatic increase in the number of migrants trying to reach Europe", with more than 112,000 irregular migrants detected by Italian authorities in 2014 – almost three times as many as in 2013.

The Guardian

Anifah will meet Burma's foreign affairs minister, Wunna Maung Lwin, to discuss "the issue of irregular movement of people, human trafficking and people smuggling in the south-east Asia", the Malaysian state news agency, Bernama said.

The Guardian

Usually a malignant melanoma has an irregular edge (sometimes with "satellite spots" around it), and the depth of the surface colour varies.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Kara-Murza's father previously told Kommersant that his son's condition could be explained by an allergy or a high-stress lifestyle "with irregular meals, little sleep".

The Guardian

This is what happens next: 1. Report: you take a picture of the problem you want to report and select the category it is most related to, such as irregular sidewalks, public lighting, potholes on streets, animal abuse... the list goes on.

The Guardian

At dawn yesterday there was the heaviest fighting yet in the east of Congo as Mr Kabila's irregular forces - many of them Rwandans who took part in the genocide of 1994 - attacked the rebels in Goma, their headquarters town.

The Guardian

The men, dressed in irregular fatigues and with balaclavas pulled over their heads, fingered their Kalashnikovs nervously and jumped at every unusual sound.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing shapes or patterns, use "irregular" to emphasize a lack of symmetry or uniformity. For example, "The coastline was marked by irregular cliffs and hidden coves."

Common error

Avoid using "irregular" when you mean something is against the law. "Irregular" describes something deviating from a pattern or norm, while "unlawful" explicitly refers to illegal activities. For example, say "unlawful business practices" rather than "irregular business practices" if you're referring to illegal activities.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "irregular" is as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe something that deviates from a standard pattern, rule, or expectation. Ludwig examples show its application across various contexts, confirming its role as a descriptor.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "irregular" functions primarily as an adjective, describing deviations from established patterns or norms. Ludwig AI confirms that "irregular" is correct and usable in written English. It appears "very common" in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science contexts. When using "irregular", ensure it accurately reflects a departure from a norm rather than something being illegal, which would require "unlawful". Consider alternatives such as "unconventional", "erratic", or "uneven" for nuanced meanings. By understanding its grammatical function, communicative purpose, and common usage patterns, you can effectively incorporate "irregular" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unconventional

Refers more to a departure from accepted norms or customs.

erratic

Focuses on unpredictable or inconsistent behavior or movement.

inconsistent

Highlights a lack of logical or predictable connection.

uneven

Highlights a lack of uniformity or smoothness, especially in physical surfaces or distributions.

unpredictable

Focuses on the inability to foresee or anticipate outcomes.

sporadic

Implies that occurrences happen at infrequent and unpredictable intervals.

non-standard

Directly indicates a deviation from an established rule or norm.

abnormal

Suggests a deviation from the typical or expected condition.

atypical

Emphasizes a departure from a standard type or pattern.

variable

Implies a tendency to change or fluctuate.

FAQs

How can I use "irregular" in a sentence?

You can use "irregular" to describe something that deviates from the norm or lacks a consistent pattern. For example, "The company reported irregular profits this quarter."

What can I say instead of "irregular"?

You can use alternatives like "unconventional", "erratic", or "uneven" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "irregular" or "unlawful"?

"Irregular" describes something that deviates from a pattern or norm, while "unlawful" refers to something illegal. Choose the word that accurately reflects the intended meaning. For example, use "irregular working hours" versus "unlawful business practices".

What's the difference between "irregular" and "inconsistent"?

"Irregular" often refers to a lack of symmetry or uniformity, while "inconsistent" highlights a lack of logical or predictable connection. For example, "irregular heartbeat" versus "inconsistent results".