regular
C1Formal, Informal, Academic, Technical
Definition
Meaning
occurring or done at uniform intervals or with a consistent pattern; conforming to an established rule, norm, or standard.
Usual, normal, or customary. In mathematics, symmetrical. In grammar, following the most common pattern. In informal contexts, denoting something that is thorough or genuine (e.g., "a regular nuisance").
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word spans a continuum from strict adherence to a pattern (e.g., 'regular polygons') to a more general sense of 'normal' or 'typical'. In informal use, it can be used for emphasis ('a regular hero').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. In military contexts, 'Regular(s)' (capitalized) refers to professional soldiers in both varieties. Spelling differences apply to derived forms (e.g., 'regularise' UK / 'regularize' US).
Connotations
Similar core connotations. In UK English, 'regular' as an intensifier ('a proper regular...') is common in some regional dialects.
Frequency
Very high frequency in both varieties with no significant disparity.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[adj] + nounbe + [adj] + for/to nounverb + on a regular basisVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “As regular as clockwork”
- “Keep regular hours”
- “A regular (someone/something)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to consistent customers, scheduled meetings, or routine processes. ('Our regular clients receive a discount.')
Academic
Often used in mathematics (regular shapes), linguistics (regular verbs), and sciences (regular patterns).
Everyday
Describes habits, schedules, or typical things/people. ('I go for a regular walk.')
Technical
In computing (regular expressions), geometry (regular polyhedra), medicine (regular pulse).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The council aims to regularise the informal housing sector.
- We need to regularise our meeting schedule.
American English
- The company will regularize the payment process.
- They are working to regularize their immigration status.
adverb
British English
- The trains don't run regularly on Sundays.
- He regularly tops up his Oyster card.
American English
- The team meets regularly via Zoom.
- She regularly commutes from New Jersey.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I have a regular coffee every morning.
- The bus comes at regular times.
- She is a regular customer here.
- You should try to eat regular meals.
- The team holds regular progress meetings.
- He's not a regular employee; he's a contractor.
- The data showed a regular pattern of fluctuation every quarter.
- Despite the crisis, they maintained regular communication with stakeholders.
- A regular polygon has all sides and angles equal.
- The phenomenon occurs with such metronomic regularity that it can be modelled precisely.
- His prose lacks the regular cadence of classical poetry, opting instead for a jarring, modernist rhythm.
- The tribunal sought to regularise the hitherto ambiguous legal precedent.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a REGal king whose life runs on a REGular, strict schedule.
Conceptual Metaphor
ORDER IS REGULARITY (e.g., 'get your life back on a regular schedule').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid overtranslating as 'регулярный' in informal contexts where 'usual', 'normal', or 'typical' fits better. 'Regular guy' is not 'регулярный парень' but 'обычный парень'. Russian 'обычный' is often a better match than 'регулярный'.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing 'regular' with 'frequent' ('regular meetings' vs 'frequent meetings'). Using 'regular' for 'permanent' ('a regular job' vs 'a permanent contract'). Incorrect pluralisation in compounds ('regular customers' correct, 'regulars customer' incorrect).
Practice
Quiz
In the sentence 'He's a regular Scrooge with his money,' the word 'regular' is used to mean:
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Regular' emphasizes conformity to a pattern, schedule, or rule ('regular check-ups'). 'Normal' emphasizes conformity to a standard, average, or expected state ('normal blood pressure'). They overlap but have different core emphases.
Not always. While it can imply reliability and order ('a regular income'), it can also imply monotony or lack of surprise ('a regular, boring routine'). Context defines its connotation.
The adverb is 'regularly' (spelled the same in both UK and US English). It means 'at regular intervals' or 'in a regular manner'.
Yes. Informally, it can mean a habitual customer or visitor ('a pub regular'). Formally, it can refer to a professional soldier (often capitalized: 'the Regulars') or a size of clothing.