the frequency with which

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the frequency with which" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to how often something happens. For example, "The frequency with which he posts on social media is concerning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Bonds continues to hit home runs despite the frequency with which pitchers walk him.

The New York Times - Sports

You deserve it.' " Another consideration is the frequency with which residents tip during the year.

The New York Times

The frequency with which the Immigration and Naturalization Service raises immigration fees is becoming worrisome.

The New York Times

Therefore, they limit the frequency with which their names are associated with bargains.

The New York Times - Travel

The frequency with which shorebirds rest at sea is still debated.

The New Yorker

It reduces the frequency with which the precursor protein is cut into the elongated beta-amyloid.

The New Yorker

The article also misstated the frequency with which Dr. Bank performed free treatments.

The New York Times - Style

As he became iller, the frequency with which he'd relate the same one increased.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The frequency with which Ugandans now talk or hear about homosexuality is heretofore unmatched, he said.

The New Yorker

Elsewhere, a commentator laments the frequency with which executives appear "thrilled" by some trivial corporate achievement.

The Guardian - Opinion

Just as impressive is the frequency with which the Dockers' midfield hits the scoreboard.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the frequency with which" in formal writing when you want to emphasize the recurring nature of an event or action. For example, "The frequency with which errors occur indicates a need for process improvement."

Common error

While "the frequency with which" is grammatically correct, simpler options like "how often" can often make your writing more concise and impactful. Consider whether the added formality is truly necessary for your intended audience and context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the frequency with which" functions as a noun phrase that introduces a clause specifying the rate or number of occurrences of an event or action. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it is considered correct and usable in formal English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Encyclopedias

8%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the frequency with which" is a grammatically sound and widely recognized phrase used to describe how often something occurs. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, highlighting its relevance in formal contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Science, it's a versatile tool for academic, professional, and objective communication. While alternatives like "how often" exist, "the frequency with which" offers a more formal and emphatic way to express recurrence, making it a valuable addition to any writer's repertoire.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

how often

This is a simpler and more direct way to ask about the occurrence rate of something.

with what frequency rate

A slightly more verbose alternative which highlights the frequency as a rate.

at what rate

This option is more focused on the numerical frequency, such as events per unit of time.

with what regularity

This alternative emphasizes the consistent pattern or interval of the occurrences.

how consistently

Similar to "with what regularity", this highlights the steadiness or reliability of the occurrences.

how recurrently

This emphasizes the repetitive nature of the events.

to what extent

This phrase focuses more on the degree or scope of the occurrence, rather than just the number of times.

how repeatedly

Focuses on the number of repetitions of an event.

to what degree of incidence

This option refers to how commonly something happens, focusing on its occurrence.

with what iteration

Highlights the iterative or cyclical nature of events.

FAQs

How can I use "the frequency with which" in a sentence?

You can use "the frequency with which" to describe how often an event or action occurs. For example, "The study examined the frequency with which students used the library."

What are some alternatives to "the frequency with which"?

Alternatives include "how often", "with what regularity", or "at what rate", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "the frequency with which" formal or informal?

"The frequency with which" is generally considered formal. In more casual contexts, simpler options like "how often" may be more appropriate.

What does "the frequency with which" mean?

"The frequency with which" refers to how often something happens or occurs over a period of time. It emphasizes the recurring nature or incidence of an event.