the periodical

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the periodical" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a publication that is released at regular intervals, such as a magazine or journal. Example: "I found an interesting article in the periodical that discusses recent advancements in technology."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

They also founded the periodical Al Liamm ("The Bond").

Encyclopedia Britannica

From 1767 to 1769 Wolff contributed to the periodical Gryzaard.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Demobbed in March 1946, he revived the periodical, which finally collapsed seven years later.

The Guardian

"I came to myself several hours later, holding the periodical in my hand".

The New York Times

It's the age of what Thackeray will christen "the periodical essayists of the eighteenth century".

The New Yorker

The periodical room echoed with the crackling sound of newspaper pages being turned.

The New York Times

And I nominate the exuberant arrival of the periodical cicadas as the inaugural national event.

The New York Times

In the main reading room and the periodical room there are 96 hand-made Dainish chairs.

The New Yorker

In April 1915, the periodical the Suffragette changed its name again: to Britannia.

The Guardian

"Amateur Scientist" had been a regular feature of the periodical since 1928.

The New York Times - Science

"The London Tube Map and The Periodical Table are two fine examples of this.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a specific magazine or journal, use its name instead of "the periodical" for clarity. For example, "The New York Times" is more specific than "the periodical."

Common error

Avoid using "the periodical" when a more precise term like "journal", "magazine", or the publication's specific name would provide better context and avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the periodical" functions as a noun phrase, specifically acting as a definite noun phrase. This is because it uses the definite article "the" to refer to a specific, understood publication. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the periodical" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase referring to a regularly issued publication. As Ludwig AI states, it is widely accepted. It appears most commonly in news, science and encyclopedic sources. While versatile, it is best to use specific publication names or more precise terms like "journal" or "magazine" for clarity. When writing, avoid overgeneralization and always consider the context to choose the most accurate term. Using specific publication names, when available, enhances clarity. Therefore, while "the periodical" is correct and functional, greater precision is often desirable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

The periodic publication

Mirrors the original phrase, using 'periodic' as a direct synonym for 'periodical'.

The magazine

Refers specifically to a type of periodical publication, often containing articles and illustrations.

The journal

Highlights a scholarly or professional periodical, typically containing research or academic content.

The publication

A more general term referring to any published work issued regularly.

The serial publication

Emphasizes the sequential and ongoing nature of the publishing schedule.

The recurring publication

Focuses on the fact that the publication appears at regular intervals.

The regular publication

Similar to 'recurring publication', this specifies the consistency of the publishing schedule.

The issued magazine

Focuses on the act of a magazine being released.

The released journal

Focuses on the act of a journal being released.

The regularly issued content

Highlights the content itself and the regularity of its appearance.

FAQs

What does "the periodical" refer to?

The phrase "the periodical" generally refers to a publication that is issued at regular intervals, such as a magazine or a journal. These publications often contain current information, original scholarship, or creative work.

How can I use "the periodical" in a sentence?

You can use "the periodical" to refer to a specific magazine or journal you are discussing. For example, "I found an interesting article in "the Journal of Science"."

What are some alternatives to using "the periodical"?

Alternatives to "the periodical" include "the magazine", "the journal", or "the publication", depending on the context. Using the specific name of the publication is also a good option.

Is it better to say "the periodical" or the name of the publication?

It is generally better to use the name of the publication for clarity. "The periodical" is a generic term, while using the publication's name provides specific information. For instance, "I read about it in "The New York Times"" is more informative than "I read about it in the periodical."