on a rotating basis

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on a rotating basis" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe an event or activity that occurs in regular intervals over a period of time. For example, "The team at the office takes turns bringing in morning coffee on a rotating basis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The coach, Mike Gilligan, had planned to suspend each player for one game on a rotating basis.

The New York Times - Sports

Each member - permanent or otherwise - holds the presidency of the council for a one-month period, on a rotating basis.

BBC

Desserts, like entrees, are made on a rotating basis.

The New York Times

Public art will be displayed on a rotating basis.

The New York Times

The programs will be shown on a rotating basis.

The New York Times

The rest of the time is allotted on a rotating basis.

The New York Times

The Art Institute intends to stay open throughout the project, closing galleries on a rotating basis.

The New York Times - Arts

"There are the old-timers and a lot of pregnant women on a rotating basis.

The New York Times

In an earlier collective bargaining agreement, umpires were chosen strictly on a rotating basis.

The New York Times - Sports

The members of the shadow cabinet are invited to executive committee meetings on a rotating basis.

Harvard Business Review

Nominations are submitted by two of Lincoln Center's 12 resident arts constituents on a rotating basis.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on a rotating basis" to clearly indicate a structured and recurring pattern, ensuring that the process or schedule is predictable and fair.

Common error

Avoid using "on a rotating basis" when the actual process is random or unscheduled; instead, opt for terms like "sporadically" or "intermittently" to accurately reflect the nature of the activity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on a rotating basis" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate how something is done or how frequently it occurs. As Ludwig shows, this phrase is used to describe the method or schedule under which tasks or responsibilities are distributed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

8%

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "on a rotating basis" is a common adverbial phrase used to describe a structured, cyclical distribution of tasks or responsibilities. As Ludwig AI points out, it’s grammatically sound and appropriate for various contexts, especially in news, academia, and business. The phrase indicates a pre-planned schedule, promoting fairness and distribution. When writing, ensure its use accurately reflects a cyclical pattern, avoiding confusion with random or unscheduled events. Alternatives like "in turn" or "alternately" can offer nuanced variations while retaining the core meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by rotation

Directly relates to the act of turning or revolving, emphasizing physical movement or order.

on a cyclical schedule

Highlights that it is on a defined schedule.

in turn

This implies a sequential order where each member or element has their chance.

cyclically

Focuses on the repeated nature of the process.

alternately

Suggests switching back and forth between two or more options.

periodically

Occurring at regular intervals.

by turns

Similar to "alternately" but can also imply emotional states or conditions.

taking turns

Emphasizes individual participation in a set order.

in sequence

Highlights the order of events or actions one after another.

intermittently

Indicates pauses or breaks between occurrences.

FAQs

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

You can use "on a rotating basis" to describe how tasks, roles, or resources are distributed among a group or over a period of time. For example, "The team members manage the social media accounts "on a rotating basis"".

What are some alternatives to saying "on a rotating basis"?

Alternatives include "in turn", "alternately", or "by rotation", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to use "on a rotating basis" in formal writing?

Yes, "on a rotating basis" is suitable for formal writing. It is clear and professional, making it appropriate for business, academic, and technical contexts.

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

"On a rotating basis" implies a specific order or cycle, whereas "on a regular basis" simply means something happens frequently or consistently, without necessarily following a set pattern.