Ask Your Question today
English isnt my first language. I once used the words “on a routinely basis” and I just want to know if its correct. I know I could have said “on a regular basis” or “on a routine basis“ like a normal person but that’s what came out of my mouth lol And I’m paranoid. I know this isnt a very interesting topic but can someone answer anyway?
You would just say “routinely” or “on a regular basis.” But either way, your point will be understood. You know at least two languages where as most people only know one so they don’t really have the right to criticise or point out small mistakes. I make loads of errors in French and people can still understand and talk to me.
"On a routinely basis" is incorrect. I can't explain why in grammatical terms, but I know an adverb just doesn't fit in that sentence. You wouldn't, for example, say "On an accidentally basis" or "On a normally basis".
"On a regular basis" is grammatically correct, but it's over-complicated. It's the sort of thing an executive would write in a report if they were trying to pad out a few sketchy thoughts or use in a misguided attempt to sound erudite.
In fact, "regular" is a woolly word (it's almost as woolly as "normal"). Perhaps it's appropriate in the context, but if you're referring to something that intermittently happens, it's better to be precise and concise by saying "monthly", "weekly", "hourly" or whatever applies. If you mean "regularly" in the sense that something normally happens but does not in some circumstances, then consider using "normally" and specifying what situations qualify as abnormal.
English is full of filler words. Technically you can have sentences that are a lot shorter and mean the same thing as a more drawn out one. English is an odd duck of a language with so many avenues of spicing up a sentence. Your english just needs some polishing up. Most english speakers will get the gist of what you are saying even if you use the wrong kind of grammar, english can be as complex or as simple as you want them to be.
No, leave the last two letters off the word routinely and it will be correct
Replace the whole phrase with routinely.
E.g "I routinely brush my teeth".
You could also say "I brush my teeth routinely". It would be technically incorrect as the adverb falls at the end of the sentence, but most English people would not know this grammar rule, and of those that do know the rule, most wouldn't care and would probably say something similar themselves in casual conversation.