Irregular vs. Abnormal
2023-03-18
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1Hello! This week on Ask a Teacher, we will answer a question about two common synonyms, or words that have similar meanings, "abnormal" and "irregular."
2Hi VOA Learning English,
3I am Riya from China. I wish to know the difference between the words "abnormal" and "irregular."
4Is there any other word that has a similar meaning of irregular?
5Thanks,
6Riya
7Thank you, Riya, for this great question.
8While "abnormal" and "irregular" are often used in similar situations, there are some notable differences. Let's consider "abnormal" first.
9"Abnormal" is an adjective meaning not normal, usual, or average.
10It suggests that something is troublesome or a problem. For example:
11His blood tests showed an abnormal level of T cells.
12The veterinarian said a viral infection caused the marmot's abnormal behavior.
13"Normal" is often used in describing growth or behavior.
14These are processes that are not the same all of the time, but experience and knowledge form our understanding of what they are.
15"Abnormal" is often used to describe what is outside our experience of what "normal" is.
16Let's move on to "irregular."
17As an adjective, "irregular" has several different meanings.
18The first describes something that does not happen at regular, predictable times.
19It can describe an activity that happens for different lengths of time or that happens once in a while.
20Amanda's work schedule was very irregular.
21Sometimes she worked nights; other times she worked during the day.
22The second meaning describes appearance that is not even, straight, or smooth.
23It can also describe something that does not form a regular pattern.
24The coast of the state is quite irregular with its rocky hills.
25A third meaning has to do with observing regular rules, laws or behavior.
26The bank failed because of irregular investment practices.
27In English grammar, there are "irregular" action words, or verbs.
28In many languages, verbs have different endings to agree with number or tense.
29For example, the verb "eat" is an irregular verb.
30The past tense is not "eated," it is "ate." The past participle is "eaten."
31Other words can also have "irregular" differences from the usual patterns of grammar.
32"Irregular" can be a noun, too.
33It can describe a person belonging to a military force that is outside of the national armed forces of a country.
34Such forces usually do not have the same command structure and are often called paramilitary forces.
35"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.
36So, while these two words are often used as synonyms, "irregular" has more meanings and is often used as both an adjective and a noun.
37And it might be a better word choice in some situations depending on what you want to say.
38Please let us know if these explanations and examples have helped you, Riya.
39What question do you have about American English? Send us an email at learningenglish@voanews.com
40And that's Ask a Teacher.
41I'm Faith Pirlo.
1Hello! This week on Ask a Teacher, we will answer a question about two common synonyms, or words that have similar meanings, "abnormal" and "irregular." 2Question: 3Hi VOA Learning English, 4I am Riya from China. I wish to know the difference between the words "abnormal" and "irregular." Is there any other word that has a similar meaning of irregular? 5Thanks, 6Riya 7Answer 8Thank you, Riya, for this great question. While "abnormal" and "irregular" are often used in similar situations, there are some notable differences. Let's consider "abnormal" first. 9"Abnormal" is an adjective meaning not normal, usual, or average. It suggests that something is troublesome or a problem. For example: 10His blood tests showed an abnormal level of T cells. 11The veterinarian said a viral infection caused the marmot's abnormal behavior. 12"Normal" is often used in describing growth or behavior. These are processes that are not the same all of the time, but experience and knowledge form our understanding of what they are. "Abnormal" is often used to describe what is outside our experience of what "normal" is. 13Let's move on to "irregular." 14As an adjective, "irregular" has several different meanings. 15The first describes something that does not happen at regular, predictable times. It can describe an activity that happens for different lengths of time or that happens once in a while. 16Amanda's work schedule was very irregular. Sometimes she worked nights; other times she worked during the day. 17The second meaning describes appearance that is not even, straight, or smooth. It can also describe something that does not form a regular pattern. 18The coast of the state is quite irregular with its rocky hills. 19A third meaning has to do with observing regular rules, laws or behavior. 20The bank failed because of irregular investment practices. 21In English grammar, there are "irregular" action words, or verbs. In many languages, verbs have different endings to agree with number or tense. 22For example, the verb "eat" is an irregular verb. The past tense is not "eated," it is "ate." The past participle is "eaten." 23Other words can also have "irregular" differences from the usual patterns of grammar. 24"Irregular" can be a noun, too. It can describe a person belonging to a military force that is outside of the national armed forces of a country. Such forces usually do not have the same command structure and are often called paramilitary forces. 25"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. 26So, while these two words are often used as synonyms, "irregular" has more meanings and is often used as both an adjective and a noun. And it might be a better word choice in some situations depending on what you want to say. 27Please let us know if these explanations and examples have helped you, Riya. 28What question do you have about American English? Send us an email at learningenglish@voanews.com 29And that's Ask a Teacher. 30I'm Faith Pirlo. 31Faith Pirlo wrote this lesson for VOA Learning English. 32_________________________________________________________________ 33Words in This Story 34pattern - n. a regular and repeated way in which something happens 35participle - n. (grammar) a form of a verb that is used to indicate a past or present action and that can also be used like an adjective 36_________________________________________________________________ 37Do you have a question for the teacher? We want to hear from you. We have a new comment system. Here is how it works: 38Each time you return to comment on the Learning English site, you can use your account and see your comments and replies to them. Our comment policy is here.