[ti:Irregular vs. Abnormal]
[al:Ask a Teacher]
[ar:VOA]
[dt:2023-03-18]
[by:www.voase.cn]
[00:00.00]Hello! This week on Ask a Teacher, we will answer a question about two common synonyms, or words that have similar meanings, "abnormal" and "irregular."
[00:17.54]Hi VOA Learning English,
[00:20.33]I am Riya from China. I wish to know the difference between the words "abnormal" and "irregular." 
[00:30.52]Is there any other word that has a similar meaning of irregular?
[00:36.10]Thanks,
[00:37.06]Riya
[00:38.99]Thank you, Riya, for this great question. 
[00:41.95]While "abnormal" and "irregular" are often used in similar situations, there are some notable differences. Let's consider "abnormal" first.
[00:55.57]"Abnormal" is an adjective meaning not normal, usual, or average. 
[01:02.65]It suggests that something is troublesome or a problem. For example:
[01:10.80]His blood tests showed an abnormal level of T cells.
[01:16.29]The veterinarian said a viral infection caused the marmot's abnormal behavior.
[01:22.99]"Normal" is often used in describing growth or behavior.
[01:27.89]These are processes that are not the same all of the time, but experience and knowledge form our understanding of what they are.
[01:39.67]"Abnormal" is often used to describe what is outside our experience of what "normal" is.
[01:49.07]Let's move on to "irregular."
[01:52.07]As an adjective, "irregular" has several different meanings.
[01:58.04]The first describes something that does not happen at regular, predictable times.
[02:04.42]It can describe an activity that happens for different lengths of time or that happens once in a while.
[02:13.72]Amanda's work schedule was very irregular.
[02:17.66]Sometimes she worked nights; other times she worked during the day.
[02:24.36]The second meaning describes appearance that is not even, straight, or smooth.
[02:31.44]It can also describe something that does not form a regular pattern.
[02:37.22]The coast of the state is quite irregular with its rocky hills.
[02:43.15]A third meaning has to do with observing regular rules, laws or behavior.
[02:50.41]The bank failed because of irregular investment practices.
[02:56.01]In English grammar, there are "irregular" action words, or verbs. 
[03:02.80]In many languages, verbs have different endings to agree with number or tense.
[03:10.40]For example, the verb "eat" is an irregular verb. 
[03:15.29]The past tense is not "eated," it is "ate." The past participle is "eaten."
[03:23.67]Other words can also have "irregular" differences from the usual patterns of grammar.
[03:30.71]"Irregular" can be a noun, too. 
[03:34.09]It can describe a person belonging to a military force that is outside of the national armed forces of a country.
[03:44.45]Such forces usually do not have the same command structure and are often called paramilitary forces.
[03:53.38]"Irregular" also can mean a piece of clothing that is a little damaged, or not exactly perfect, and is sold in some stores at a lower price than normal.
[04:08.38]So, while these two words are often used as synonyms, "irregular" has more meanings and is often used as both an adjective and a noun. 
[04:23.16]And it might be a better word choice in some situations depending on what you want to say.
[04:30.96]Please let us know if these explanations and examples have helped you, Riya.
[04:37.03]What question do you have about American English? Send us an email at learningenglish@voanews.com
[04:48.94]And that's Ask a Teacher.
[04:51.23]I'm Faith Pirlo.