What is regularly? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of regularly

regularlyadverb

/ˈrɛɡjʊləli/
Definition & pronunciation of regularly

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "regularly." It's a tricky one because of the combination of sounds! Here's a breakdown:

1. The Core:

  • reg- – Pronounced like "reg" as in "regret."
  • -u- – This is a short, unstressed "uh" sound, like the "a" in "about." It's very quick and subtle.
  • -lar- – Pronounced like "lar" as in "large."
  • -ly – This is a common suffix that turns a word into an adverb. It's pronounced like "lee."

2. Putting it Together - The Key is the "re" sound:

The trickiest part is the "regular" portion. It doesn't sound like "re-gular." It’s a blend of sounds. Here's the best way to do it:

  • “Ruh-guh-lar-lee” - This is a simplified way to think about it.

Let's break that down further:

  • "Ruh" - This is a quick, slightly throaty "r" sound. Think of it as an almost subtle “d” sound that blends into the next part of the word. Don't overemphasize the "r" here.
  • “guh” - A short, rounded "g" sound, like in "gum."
  • "lar" – As mentioned above, like "large."
  • “lee” – As mentioned above, like "free."

3. Putting it all together - The full pronunciation:

** /ˈrɛɡələrli/ **

  • ˈ (This mark indicates primary stress – it’s on the first syllable, “reg-”)
  • rɛɡ – "reg" as in regret, followed by a quick “uh” sound (like "uh" in butter).
  • lər – "lar" as in large.
  • li – "lee" as in free.

Resources to Help You Hear It:

  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/regularly/ – This site lets you hear native speakers pronounce the word.
  • Google Translate: Type "regularly" into Google Translate and click the speaker icon.

Tips for Mastering It:

  • Slow it down: Practice saying each syllable separately until you're comfortable.
  • Listen and repeat: Use the resources above to hear native speakers.
  • Record yourself: Record yourself saying the word and compare it to the recordings.
  • Focus on the "uh" sound: Don't let the "u" in "regular" be too prominent.

Do you want me to:

  • Say the word out loud?
  • Give you other example words with similar pronunciation challenges?

Usage and examples with the word regularly in English

Let's break down how to use the word "regularly" in English. It primarily functions as an adverb, meaning it modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs. Here's a detailed explanation with examples:

1. Meaning:

"Regularly" means in a consistent or habitual way; at fixed intervals; on a scheduled basis. It implies something happens predictably and consistently.

2. How to Use It as an Adverb:

  • Modifying Verbs (Most Common Usage): This is where you'll see "regularly" most often. It describes how often an action is performed.

    • Example: “I regularly exercise three times a week.” (How often do you exercise?)
    • Example: “She regularly checks her email.” (How often does she check?)
    • Example: “The students regularly attend tutoring sessions.” (How often do they attend?)
    • Example: “He regularly visits his grandmother.” (How often does he visit?)

  • Modifying Adjectives: It can describe something as consistently or habitually being a certain way.

    • Example: “He has a regularly scheduled meeting.” (Meaning he has a meeting that happens on a set schedule.)
    • Example: “They live in a regularly maintained house.” (Meaning the house is consistently kept in good repair.)

3. Example Sentences Showing Different Contexts:

  • "The doctor recommends you eat a healthy diet regularly." (Suggesting a consistent habit)
  • “The train runs regularly between New York and Boston.” (Describing a scheduled pattern)
  • “I regularly volunteer at the local animal shelter.” (Describing a habitual activity)
  • “She regularly calls her parents.” (Describing how often she calls)
  • “They regularly review their sales data.” (Describing a scheduled process)

4. Contrast with "Sometimes" and "Occasionally":

"Regularly" indicates a much more frequent occurrence than "sometimes" or "occasionally."

  • Sometimes: Means "not very often." (e.g., "I sometimes go to the movies.")
  • Occasionally: Means "now and then" - a less frequent occurrence than "regularly." (e.g., "I occasionally eat ice cream.")
  • Regularly: Means “repeatedly, on a predictable schedule.”

5. Common Phrases with "Regularly":

  • Regularly scheduled: (As in, a regularly scheduled appointment)
  • Regularly scheduled meetings: (Meetings that happen at the same time each week/month, etc.)
  • Regularly updated: (Something that is updated frequently)
  • Regularly inspected: (Something that is checked routinely)

Tips for Using "Regularly":

  • Think about frequency: When you want to express how often something happens, "regularly" is a good choice.
  • Consider the context: Make sure “regularly” fits the overall meaning you're trying to convey.

Do you want me to:

  • Give you some more examples in a specific context (e.g., business, health, daily routine)?
  • Help you practice using "regularly" in a sentence?
  • Explain how it differs from similar words like "often" or "frequently"?

Synonyms for the word regularly

Practice with vocabulary regularly

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Employees are expected to attend the weekly team meeting ____ to discuss project progress.
  2. The software update process must be managed ____ to prevent data loss and ensure system stability.
  3. She finds it beneficial to review her notes ____ before an exam, rather than attempting to cram everything last minute.
  4. Due to unexpected technical issues, our internet service has been ____ interrupted this month, causing inconvenience.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (There may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. To maintain a healthy lifestyle and achieve fitness goals, one should exercise ____ and eat a balanced diet. a) sporadically b) regularly c) occasionally d) rarely

  2. It is crucial for team leaders to provide constructive feedback ____ to their members for continuous professional development. a) never b) infrequently c) regularly d) at random

  3. To ensure the software remains secure and patched against vulnerabilities, updates are released and should be applied ____. a) on a consistent basis b) regularly c) periodically d) unpredictably

  4. The project manager ____ delegates tasks to different team members to ensure an equitable distribution of work. a) typically b) sporadically c) infrequently d) never

  5. Despite numerous challenges and tight deadlines, the team showed ____ dedication to completing the project on time. a) inconsistently b) erratically c) unwavering d) rarely

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. It is essential to perform backups of your critical data on a consistent schedule. Rewrite: It is essential to back up your critical data ____.

  2. The company maintains a fixed pattern of reviewing employee performance. Rewrite: The company conducts ____ employee performance reviews.

  3. My commute to work is often delayed by unexpected traffic and road closures. Rewrite: My commute to work is ____ delayed by unexpected traffic and road closures.

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. regularly
  2. efficiently
  3. regularly
  4. sporadically

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) regularly
  2. c) regularly
  3. a) on a consistent basis, b) regularly, c) periodically
  4. a) typically
  5. c) unwavering

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. It is essential to back up your critical data regularly.
  2. The company conducts regular employee performance reviews.
  3. My commute to work is frequently delayed by unexpected traffic and road closures.

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