What is frequently? Pronunciation and usage in English

frequently means . Learn how to pronounce and use frequently through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of frequently

frequentlyadverb

/ˈfriːkw(ə)ntli/
Definition & pronunciation of frequently

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "frequently." It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown:

1. Phonetic Transcription (Closest to how a native speaker would say it):

  • /ˈfrɛkwəntli/

Let’s break that down:

  • ˈfrɛk – This is the core of the word.

    • fr – Pronounced like the "fry" in "fry" (short ‘i’ sound).
    • ɛk – This is a stressed, short “e” sound, like in the word “bed.” It’s not the long “e” as in “meet.”

  • ˈwənt – This is the next syllable.

    • w – A simple “w” sound.
    • ə – This is a schwa sound. It's a very weak, neutral vowel sound, like the “a” in “about.” It's often barely pronounced.
    • nt – Pronounced like “unt,” as in “hunt.”

  • li – A simple “l” sound, followed by a short “i” sound, like in “lip.”

2. A More Descriptive Guide (for those who don't want to use phonetic symbols):

  1. "Frew": Start with a sound like “frew” (think "brew" but with a "f" at the beginning). Focus on that “ew” sound.
  2. "quent": Then say “quent” – a short “u” sound like in “cut.”
  3. "lee": Lastly, add the "lee" sound, very quickly.

3. Tips & Common Mistakes:

  • Don't over-emphasize the "f": The "f" is silent in "frequently." It’s just there to help with spelling.
  • The schwa is key: The second syllable (ənt) is often the most challenging. Don't try to say a full vowel sound here; it's a very relaxed, reduced vowel.
  • Speed: The word is spoken relatively quickly. Don’t pause between the syllables.

4. Listen and Repeat:

The absolute best way to learn the pronunciation is to hear it! Here are some resources:

  • Google Search: Search "how to pronounce frequently" on Google. You'll find audio clips from Merriam-Webster, Cambridge Dictionary, and other reliable sources.
  • Forvo: https://www.forvo.com/word/frequently/ – Forvo is a website where native speakers pronounce words.

To help me tailor my explanation even more, could you tell me:

  • Are you a beginner English learner, or do you have some experience?
  • Is there a particular element of the pronunciation you're finding most difficult?

Usage and examples with the word frequently in English

Let's break down how to use the word "frequently" in English. It's a versatile word that essentially means "often" or "regularly." Here's a detailed explanation with examples:

1. Basic Meaning:

  • Definition: Frequently means happening or done often; regularly. It implies a pattern of occurring.

2. How to Use It – Grammatical Structure:

  • Adverb: "Frequently" almost always acts as an adverb. It modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb.

3. Examples:

  • Modifying a Verb:

    • "I frequently visit my grandmother." (Meaning: I often visit my grandmother.)
    • "She frequently calls her friends." (Meaning: She often calls her friends.)
    • "The train arrives frequently at this station." (Meaning: The train comes often at this station.)

  • Modifying an Adjective:

    • "He’s a frequently exhausted student." (Meaning: He is often exhausted.) – This is less common, but possible for emphasis.

  • Modifying an Adverb: (This is also less common, but still correct)

    • "He studies frequently at the library." (Meaning: He studies often at the library.)

4. Synonyms:

Using synonyms can add variety to your writing and speech. Here are some words that mean roughly the same thing as frequently:

  • Often
  • Regularly
  • Commonly
  • Frequently
  • Repeatedly
  • Regularly
  • As often as possible

5. Nuances and Considerations:

  • Formal vs. Informal: "Frequently" is generally considered more formal than "often." “Often” is perfectly acceptable in most everyday conversations.

  • Emphasis: Using "frequently" can add a slight emphasis that you're talking about a regular habit or occurrence.

  • Avoid Overuse: Like any word, using "frequently" too often can sound repetitive. Consider using synonyms or rephrasing for better flow.

6. Common Phrases & Constructions:

  • "Frequently enough": Means "often enough."

    • “We need frequently enough supplies to keep the project going.”

  • "Frequently enough to...": Means "often enough to..."

    • “He frequently enough attends meetings to stay informed.”

7. Let's Test Your Understanding – Fill in the Blanks:

  • “The library frequently has new books available.”
  • “She frequently worries about her children.”
  • “He frequently exercises in the morning.”

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me tailor the explanation even more to your needs, could you tell me:

  • What specifically are you wanting to use "frequently" in? (e.g., writing an essay, speaking in a presentation, general conversation?)

Synonyms for the word frequently

Practice with vocabulary frequently

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. To maintain an effective workflow, project managers should __________ review progress reports and address any potential roadblocks.
  2. The company conducts its quarterly financial audits on a __________ basis, ensuring transparency and compliance.
  3. Users have reported that the application crashes quite __________, necessitating a critical software update.
  4. Please ensure you back up all critical files __________ to prevent any data loss in case of a system malfunction.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. During peak season, the customer service lines are __________, leading to longer wait times. a) rarely b) seldom c) often d) frequently

  2. For optimal system performance, it is advised to __________ clean your computer's temporary files. a) habitually b) periodically c) occasionally d) infrequently

  3. The new policy states that employees should __________ utilize the online learning platform for professional development. a) frequently b) constantly c) seldom d) rarely

  4. Before launching the new product, the marketing team conducted a thorough analysis __________ customer demographics. a) on b) of c) about d) for

  5. Due to the high demand for renewable energy solutions, our manufacturing plant operates __________. a) intermittently b) consistently c) sporadically d) frequently

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. It is very common for this particular software bug to appear. Rewrite using "frequently":

  2. The client's requests for modifications occur with high regularity. Rewrite using a related word form of "frequently":

  3. Managers typically conduct performance reviews at the end of each year. Rewrite without using "frequently" or any of its forms:

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. To maintain an effective workflow, project managers should frequently review progress reports and address any potential roadblocks.
  2. The company conducts its quarterly financial audits on a regular basis, ensuring transparency and compliance.
  3. Users have reported that the application crashes quite frequently, necessitating a critical software update.
  4. Please ensure you back up all critical files regularly to prevent any data loss in case of a system malfunction.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) often, d) frequently
  2. b) periodically
  3. a) frequently, b) constantly
  4. b) of
  5. b) consistently, d) frequently

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. It is very common for this particular software bug to appear. Rewrite using "frequently": This particular software bug frequently appears.

  2. The client's requests for modifications occur with high regularity. Rewrite using a related word form of "frequently": The frequency of the client's requests for modifications is high. (or The client's requests for modifications are frequent.)

  3. Managers typically conduct performance reviews at the end of each year. Rewrite without using "frequently" or any of its forms: Managers usually conduct performance reviews at the end of each year. (or Managers commonly conduct performance reviews at the end of each year.)

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