Frequent vs. Frequently

Attribute	Frequent	Frequently
Definition	Occurring or done often	Occurring or done many times at short intervals
Adverb	No	Yes
Usage	Adjective	Adverb
Frequency	Less often than "frequently"	More often than "frequent"

Definition

Both "frequent" and "frequently" are words that are commonly used in the English language, but they have different meanings and uses. "Frequent" is an adjective that means occurring or done often, while "frequently" is an adverb that means at frequent or regular intervals. In other words, "frequent" describes something that happens often, while "frequently" describes how often something happens.

Usage

When it comes to usage, "frequent" is used to describe things or actions that happen often. For example, you might say, "I am a frequent visitor to the local library," to indicate that you visit the library often. On the other hand, "frequently" is used to describe how often something happens. For instance, you might say, "I frequently go to the gym," to indicate that you go to the gym often.

Examples

Here are some examples to illustrate the difference between "frequent" and "frequently":

• I am a frequent traveler. (Here, "frequent" describes the person as someone who travels often.)
• I travel frequently. (Here, "frequently" describes how often the person travels.)
• She is a frequent shopper. (Here, "frequent" describes the person as someone who shops often.)
• She shops frequently. (Here, "frequently" describes how often the person shops.)

Similarities

Despite their differences in meaning and usage, "frequent" and "frequently" are related in that they both convey the idea of something happening often. They are both derived from the same Latin root word "frequens," which means "often" or "repeatedly." This shared origin explains why the two words are often used interchangeably, even though they have distinct roles in a sentence.

Frequency

One key difference between "frequent" and "frequently" is the level of specificity in terms of frequency. "Frequent" is a more general term that simply indicates something happens often, without specifying how often. On the other hand, "frequently" provides a more precise indication of the frequency of an action or event, as it implies that something happens at regular intervals or with a certain degree of frequency.

Context

Another factor to consider when choosing between "frequent" and "frequently" is the context in which they are used. "Frequent" is often used to describe a person, place, or thing that is characterized by regular occurrence or repetition. On the other hand, "frequently" is used to describe the frequency of an action or event, providing more information about how often something happens in a given situation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while "frequent" and "frequently" are related words that both convey the idea of something happening often, they have distinct meanings and uses. "Frequent" is an adjective that describes something that occurs often, while "frequently" is an adverb that describes how often something happens. Understanding the differences between these two words can help you use them correctly in your writing and communication.