Cool MateFrequently vs Regularly
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Frequently
Top 1,000 (very common)B1adverb
Regularly
Top 1,000 (very common)B1adverb
| Frequently | Regularly | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈfriːkwəntli/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈfriːkwəntli/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈreɡjələli/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈreɡjələrli/"]/ |
| Meaning | happens often | happening often or at the same time each week or month |
| Example | Buses run frequently between the city and the airport. | She works out regularly to maintain her fitness. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | B1 | B1 |
| Part of speech | adverb | adverb |
| Collocations | frequently asked questions, frequently used, frequently occurring, frequently visit, frequently travel | exercise regularly, meet regularly, check emails regularly |
| Antonyms | seldom, rarely, infrequently | irregularly, occasionally |
| Common mistakes | Often confused with 'occasionally' which implies less frequency., Misplaced emphasis when used in phrases, e.g., 'I frequently did' instead of 'I did frequently.', Using 'frequently' in contexts where 'always' or 'never' would be more suitable. | Using 'regular' instead of 'regularly' incorrectly in sentences., Confusing with 'regularity', which refers to the quality of being regular., Forgetting to place it appropriately in the sentence. |
| Usage notes | Use 'frequently' in both written and spoken contexts to indicate a high frequency of occurrence. It's appropriate in formal writing but can also be used informally. Avoid using in very casual contexts where slang or simpler terms are more natural. | Use 'regularly' to describe activities that happen frequently, like exercise or meetings. It's suitable for writing and conversation but not usually used in very casual slang. Avoid using 'regularly' in contexts of irregular or one-time events. |
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Frequently asked questions: Frequently vs Regularly
What's the difference between Frequently and Regularly?
Frequently: happens often Regularly: happening often or at the same time each week or month
Are Frequently and Regularly the same CEFR level?
Frequently: B1, Regularly: B1 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Frequently and Regularly?
Frequently: adverb, Regularly: adverb.
Can you show an example of each?
Frequently: Buses run frequently between the city and the airport. Regularly: She works out regularly to maintain her fitness.
Can I use Frequently and Regularly interchangeably?
Not always. Frequently and Regularly are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.