Regular and Frequent?

Question

Why do so many people think that regular and frequent are the same thing? For example, you may hear somebody say that they get regular exercise. This could mean that on the 1st of January every 5 years they do some exercise but most people hear the phrase "regular exercise" and get an image of somebody exercising very often - i.e. frequently.

Where does this confusion come from?

Answer 1

Sometimes words are partially defined by the context in which they are used. One meaning of regular is occurring with normal frequency. Another is recurring at fixed times; periodic. When we talk about regular exercise, the context causes us to assume frequent exercise on a regular basis, as we know regular exercise spread far apart (1 mos, 6 mos, etc) is useless, so the meaning is partially determined by the context.

Answer 2

There should be no confusion, the meanings of the words are perfectly clear, but I agree that if someone takes regular exercise we tend to think every day, or at least one a week rather than once a decade!

Answer 3

you're right, regular could mean that, but it can also mean like normal or usual - which could mean something they do every day/week but in that sense it wouldn't mean something that happens once every 5 years, so if someone says they take regular exercise you tend more to that meaning of normal/usual, rather than the same amount of time between each event

Answer 4

Very true...it does seem that some get the two words mixed up.....perhaps just asking the question will highlight the difference to a few more!

Answer 5

I am frequently regular.