on a cyclical basis

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on a cyclical basis" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action or event that occurs repeatedly at regular intervals. Example: "The company conducts performance reviews on a cyclical basis to ensure employee development."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

At the moment the automatic fiscal stabilisers kick in and borrowing goes up on a cyclical basis.

The Guardian

Students' unions always have referendums whether to stay or leave, which is on a cyclical basis, so the expectation is that we will have them.

The Guardian

International news operates on a cyclical basis, whereby a story becomes fashionable through what is frequently nothing more than a coincidence of timing, the availability of television footage, or just some wishful thinking on the part of correspondents.

The Guardian - Opinion

It also means renewed space for capital controls, adjustable on a cyclical basis, and the possible IMF issue of reversible special drawing rights (SDRs) for a global countercyclical facility.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mr Strong said in his witness statement: "Cyclical work, which predominately involved the redecorating on a cyclical basis of housing association properties was being allocated by One Housing Group to MFS at illegally enhanced rates.

Independent

Bonackers respond that fish replenish themselves on a cyclical basis, and that their efforts — only about 100 baymen are left at the time — would never empty the Atlantic Ocean, though the legislation could destroy their livelihoods.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

A spokeswoman for Mr Rudd said the appointments for UN secretary general are made on a cyclical geographical basis and the next one would come from eastern Europe.

The Guardian

Major American television networks are counting on a cyclical rebound.

The New York Times

The incidence of RVGE and AGE hospitalizations among vaccine-eligible children was slightly greater in second year of surveillance as compared with the first due to an outbreak of acute RVGE that occurred during February April 2009 in the central region of the NT a region where large cyclical outbreaks occur on a regular basis.

Human Vaccines and Immunotherapeutics

When the data becomes available on a monthly basis, it may help to provide indications of cyclical change.

The New York Times

Music, as we're reminded on a relatively recurrent basis, is cyclical.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on a cyclical basis" when you want to emphasize that something happens repeatedly in a predictable pattern, especially when that pattern is relevant to the topic.

Common error

Don't use "on a cyclical basis" when a simpler word like "regularly" or "periodically" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on a cyclical basis" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate how frequently or under what conditions an action occurs. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

36%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "on a cyclical basis" is a grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to indicate that something occurs repeatedly in a predictable pattern. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It's most frequently found in News & Media and Science contexts, suggesting a neutral to somewhat formal register. While useful for specifying recurring events, simpler alternatives like "periodically" or "regularly" may be more appropriate in certain situations. Remember to use it when the cyclical nature of an event is particularly relevant. The phrase appears in the New York Times, The Guardian and Forbes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

periodically

A single word alternative that emphasizes the recurrence at intervals.

at regular intervals

Focuses on the regularity of the recurrence.

recurrently

Highlights the repeated nature of the event or action.

in a recurring manner

Emphasizes the pattern of reappearance.

seasonally

Implies the cycle is tied to specific seasons or times of the year.

in cycles

A shorter alternative emphasizing the presence of cycles.

at fixed intervals

Highlights the precision of the timing between occurrences.

intermittently

Implies the cycles have interruptions or pauses.

rhythmically

Suggests a patterned, almost musical recurrence.

by turns

Indicates an alternating pattern of occurrences.

FAQs

What does "on a cyclical basis" mean?

The phrase "on a cyclical basis" means that something happens repeatedly in a pattern or cycle. It implies a degree of predictability and recurrence.

How can I use "on a cyclical basis" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe events or actions that occur regularly. For example, "The company reviews its marketing strategy "periodically" on a cyclical basis."

What are some alternatives to "on a cyclical basis"?

Alternatives include "periodically", "regularly", "at regular intervals", and "recurrently". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is "on a cyclical basis" formal or informal?

The phrase "on a cyclical basis" leans towards a more formal register. In casual conversation, simpler alternatives like "regularly" might be more appropriate.