on a fairly regular basis

USAGE SUMMARY

"on a fairly regular basis" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe how often something occurs, usually when the frequency is not overly frequent or overly infrequent, but rather at a moderate rate. For example, "I go to the gym on a fairly regular basis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And if you get bits chopped off you or sustain gruesome physical injuries of one kind or another, as happens on a fairly regular basis in the Blade trilogy, you won't die of your wounds; you'll just stay that way as all the other vampires laugh at you.

The Guardian - Film

Aryty CEO Nils Johnson says that it is quite common for families in America who have loved ones in the Philippines or India to send money on a fairly regular basis as a reminder that they're thinking of them.

TechCrunch

Since my kids eat wheat, barley, grapes and olives on a fairly regular basis, I thought I would start with one of the other food choices from the original seven.

HuffPost

Indeed, I pop back there on a fairly regular basis.

The Guardian

I talk to his agent on a fairly regular basis.

The Guardian - Sport

I visit him on a fairly regular basis.

The Washington Post

Heck, three years on and I'm still dipping in and out on a fairly regular basis.

The Guardian - Tech

The attacks came on a fairly regular basis, and he took them all to heart.

Stanford University

Also, I'll read a colleague's Grazia on a fairly regular basis.

The Guardian

"on a fairly regular basis," making them the fastest land mammals.

The New York Times - Science

Even stateside he finds himself, on a fairly regular basis, confronted with death, gore, psychosis, and other troubling human spectacles.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the frequency, ensure that the subject performing the action is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of "Meetings occur on a fairly regular basis", specify "The team holds meetings on a fairly regular basis".

Common error

While "on a fairly regular basis" is acceptable, overuse can make writing sound repetitive. Consider using synonyms like "frequently" or "often" to maintain a diverse and engaging tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on a fairly regular basis" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, indicating the frequency of an action. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Science

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on a fairly regular basis" is a common and grammatically sound adverbial phrase used to indicate that an action occurs with moderate frequency. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is considered correct and usable in various contexts. While it's generally acceptable in news and media, academic and business writing, being mindful of overuse and considering synonyms can enhance writing style and diversity. Common alternatives include "frequently", "often", and "periodically", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quite often

Direct synonym; more concise.

pretty frequently

Slightly less formal alternative.

on a frequent basis

Removes "fairly", suggesting more often.

somewhat routinely

Adds a sense of routine or habit.

at regular intervals

Highlights the time-based aspect.

periodically

More formal and concise.

from time to time

Indicates less regularity; more sporadic.

now and then

Informal; suggests occasional occurrence.

on occasion

Suggests less frequency than "on a fairly regular basis".

customarily

Implies established practice or convention.

FAQs

How can I use "on a fairly regular basis" in a sentence?

You can use "on a fairly regular basis" to describe how often something happens. For example, "I exercise on a fairly regular basis to stay healthy."

What are some alternatives to "on a fairly regular basis"?

Some alternatives include "frequently", "often", "periodically", or "routinely" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to use "on a regular basis" or "on a fairly regular basis"?

"On a regular basis" implies something happens predictably and consistently. Adding "fairly" (resulting in "on a fairly regular basis") softens the statement, indicating a slightly less consistent frequency. Choose the version that best reflects the actual frequency you want to convey.

What's the difference between "on a fairly regular basis" and "occasionally"?

"On a fairly regular basis" suggests something happens with some degree of frequency and predictability. "Occasionally" implies something happens less frequently and more sporadically. The former indicates more routine than the latter.