on an irregular basis: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘on an irregular basis’ mean?
The idiom "on an irregular basis" means to do something in an inconsistent or unpredictable manner.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "week in, week out" means continuously or consistently, happening every week without interruption or change. It implies regularity, stability, and a repetitive routine.
We know for sure:
The idiom "week in, week out" is used to describe something that happens regularly, consistently, or without a break, usually on a weekly basis. It implies a repetitive action or event that occurs every week, without interruption.
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Run about is an idiomatic expression commonly used in English. It is a verb phrase that consists of the verb "run" and the adverb "about." When used together, this idiom has a specific meaning that can be understood by native English speakers.
An idiom meaning to improvise or make up something without any basis or evidence.
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The idiom "play by ear" means to handle a situation spontaneously and without a fixed plan, adjusting actions according to the circumstances.
The idiom "out of the ordinary" means something or someone that is not usual or typical. It refers to a deviation from what is considered normal or expected.
The idiom "out of order" means that something is not functioning or working correctly. It can refer to a broken machine, a disrupted schedule, or improper behavior.
The idiom "out of nowhere" means something unexpectedly or suddenly appearing without any prior indication or warning.
The idiom "out of nowhere" is a commonly used phrase in English language, primarily in the United States. It is often used to describe unexpected events or occurrences that seem to have no clear or logical origin.
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The idiom "on the loose" means to be free or not captured, often used to describe a person, animal, or thing that is roaming or causing trouble.
The idiom "on the go" means to be busy or occupied with various activities or tasks, without much time for rest or relaxation.
The Enigmatic Cadence
"on a regular basis", "now and then", "from time to time", and "on and off" are all related idioms that share a similar meaning to "on an irregular basis." These idioms are commonly used to describe actions or events that occur infrequently and with no set pattern. Let's explore each of these idioms and see how they relate to "on an irregular basis."
The idiomatic phrase "on a regular basis" is the antonym of "on an irregular basis." While "on an irregular basis" suggests sporadic or unpredictable occurrences, "on a regular basis" means that something happens consistently and at regular intervals. This phrase implies a fixed schedule or routine. For example, you could say, "He exercises on a regular basis, going to the gym three times a week."
"Now and then" is another idiom that conveys the idea of sporadic or infrequent occurrences. This phrase suggests that something happens occasionally or from time to time, without a specific pattern. It is similar to "on an irregular basis" in that it implies a lack of consistency or predictability. An example sentence could be, "She likes to indulge in ice cream now and then, but she tries to eat healthy most of the time."
"From time to time" is yet another idiom that shares a similar meaning to "on an irregular basis." This phrase implies that something happens occasionally, with no regularity or predictable pattern. It is often used to describe actions or events that happen infrequently or randomly. For instance, you could say, "They go on vacation from time to time, exploring different destinations whenever they have the opportunity."
"On and off" is a colloquial expression that also means sporadic or intermittent. This phrase suggests that something happens irregularly or in an inconsistent manner. It is similar to "on an irregular basis" in that it conveys the idea of something occurring off and on, without a set pattern. You might say, "He worked on the project on and off, tackling it whenever he had spare time."
These idioms provide alternative ways to express the idea of irregular or infrequent occurrences. They allow for concise communication of the lack of consistency or predictability in an action or event without needing to provide specific time frames or detailed explanations.
The idiom "on an irregular basis" describes actions or events that occur infrequently and unpredictably. It emphasizes the absence of a consistent or uniform pattern. Related idioms such as "on a regular basis," "now and then," "from time to time," and "on and off" share a similar meaning but offer slight variations in nuance. They all convey the idea of sporadic or infrequent occurrences, and they are useful for expressing the lack of consistency or predictability in an action or event. These idioms add depth and nuance to the English language and allow for concise communication in various contexts.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "on an irregular basis" can be used in a sentence:
- He visits his grandparents on an irregular basis.
- The maintenance team checks the power grid on an irregular basis.
- She exercises on an irregular basis, often skipping workouts.
The phrase "on an irregular basis" is used to describe something that occurs or happens in an unpredictable or inconsistent manner. In the examples above, the phrase is used to indicate the frequency or timing of certain actions or events, which do not follow a regular or predictable pattern. It conveys the idea that these actions or events happen occasionally or sporadically, rather than on a fixed schedule or in a systematic manner.
More "Frequency" idioms
