on an ongoing basis

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'on an ongoing basis' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to indicate that something is happening continuously and without interruption. For example, "The company is training its employees on an ongoing basis to ensure the highest quality of customer service."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

An independent Data and Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) will monitor safety on an ongoing basis throughout the trial.

BMC Infectious Diseases

We will continue to monitor it on an ongoing basis.

The Guardian - Money

"We do it routinely and on an ongoing basis.

The New York Times - Sports

And they are also important on an ongoing basis.

The Economist

"We usually just provide emergency food, not on an ongoing basis," Ms. Kehoe said.

The New York Times

Even small changes can be incredibly difficult to manage on an ongoing basis.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They will be looking at the situation on an ongoing basis until an agreement is reached".

The New York Times - Sports

Then, once you've signed up, establish how things will work on an ongoing basis.

The Guardian - Money

"There will be a lot of releases on an ongoing basis," she said.

The New York Times

"We continue to monitor the Arcadia schemes on an ongoing basis.

The Guardian - Business

We will also review the structure of our portfolio on an ongoing basis.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on an ongoing basis" to convey that an action or process is happening continuously and is expected to continue in the future. For instance, 'We monitor the system's performance on an ongoing basis to ensure optimal operation'.

Common error

Don't use "on an ongoing basis" when a simpler adverb like "regularly" or "continuously" will suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound repetitive and less impactful. For example, instead of 'The reports are updated on an ongoing basis regularly', consider 'The reports are updated regularly'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on an ongoing basis" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to indicate the manner in which an action is performed. It specifies that the action occurs continuously and regularly over a period of time. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

19%

Less common in

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "on an ongoing basis" is a very common and grammatically correct adverbial phrase that indicates continuity and regularity. Ludwig AI confirms this and provides numerous examples of its usage across diverse contexts, primarily in news, science, and business. While versatile, it's essential to avoid redundancy and choose simpler alternatives when appropriate. The phrase is generally neutral in register and serves to emphasize that something is a sustained effort rather than a one-time occurrence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on a continuing basis

Very similar, but potentially implies slightly less formal or structured operation.

continuously

Focuses on the uninterrupted nature of the action, omitting the idea of a structured basis.

constantly

Emphasizes the frequency and regularity of the action, without necessarily implying a structured plan.

regularly

Highlights the recurring nature of the action, but does not always imply uninterrupted continuity.

routinely

Implies a standard procedure or habit, suggesting less flexibility than "on an ongoing basis".

without interruption

Focuses solely on the lack of breaks, potentially missing the planned or scheduled aspect.

persistently

Emphasizes the tenacity and determination behind the action, rather than its mere continuation.

as a matter of course

Highlights the routine or expected nature of the action, implying less conscious decision-making.

incessantly

Suggests an annoying or overwhelming continuity, carrying a negative connotation that "on an ongoing basis" lacks.

all the time

A more informal way to express constant activity, lacking the professional tone of "on an ongoing basis".

FAQs

How can I use "on an ongoing basis" in a sentence?

You can use "on an ongoing basis" to indicate that something is happening continuously or regularly. For example, "The project is reviewed "on an ongoing basis" to ensure it meets the objectives".

What are some alternatives to "on an ongoing basis"?

Some alternatives to "on an ongoing basis" include "continuously", "regularly", and "constantly". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "on an ongoing and continuous basis"?

Yes, saying "on an ongoing and continuous basis" is redundant. Both "ongoing" and "continuous" have similar meanings, so using both together doesn't add any extra meaning and can make the sentence sound awkward. Use either "on an ongoing basis" or on a continuous basis, but not both.

What is the difference between "on an ongoing basis" and "periodically"?

"On an ongoing basis" implies a continuous or regular activity, while "periodically" suggests that the activity happens at irregular intervals. For example, monitoring a system "on an ongoing basis" means it's constantly checked, while monitoring it "periodically" means it's checked at certain times.