on an irregular basis: Idiom Meaning and Origin

"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.