What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
recurring
Example
The recurring theme in the book is the importance of family. [recurring: adjective]
Example
The problem keeps recurring every few months. [recurring: present participle]
frequent
Example
I am a frequent traveler and have been to many countries. [frequent: adjective]
Example
She frequents the library every week to borrow books. [frequents: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Frequent is more commonly used than recurring in everyday language. Frequent is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while recurring is less common and refers to a specific type of repetition or cyclical pattern.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between recurring and frequent?
Both recurring and frequent can be used in formal and informal contexts, but recurring may be slightly more formal due to its less common usage and more specific meaning.