cyclic, realistic, on

[jiang]

Dear teachers,

I have three questions to ask:

No. 1
This will make the plan less romantic and more realistic.
Can I use 'practical' to replace 'realistic'?

No.2
I am confused by "periodical" and "cyclical".

I have consulted the meaning of "cycle" and the adjective "cyclical" in my dictionary:
cycle
noun [C]
1 a group of events which happen in a particular order, one following the other, and which are often repeated:
the life cycle of a moth
2 one in a series of movements that a machine performs:
the spin cycle
cyclical
adjective (ALSO cyclic)
Changes in the economy have followed a cyclical pattern.

I think I understand the definitions but I don't understand an example in the dictionary "the cyclic nature of history". Does it mean 'history always repeats something in the past"?

If my explanation is correct can I use "cyclic" in the following sentence instead of 'periodical'?
The economic boom and recession is a periodical occurrence.

No.3
It would be loverly to wake up next morning at the sound of birds singing.
As far as I know "on/upon" can mean "happening after and usually because of" so can I use ''on'' instead of 'at' in the above sentence?

Looking forward to hearing from you.
Thank you in advance.

Jiang

 

[Niall]

1. "Realistic" in this situation suggests that the plan is being made more like "real life" or how things normally happen. "Practical" suggests that its easier to do. But really, they can both mean the same thing, and are techincally interchangable. "Realistic" reads better though.

2. Your interpretation is correct. And in your sentence, you could replace "periodical" with "cyclic", we often talk about the "cyclic" nature of economic models.

3. You can use "on". Personally, I would use neither and use "to" instead.

 

[jiang]

Dear Niall,
Thank you very much for your explanation. Now I understand them.
As to No.3 could you please kindly explain the use of "to"? Does it mean the same as in "to the accompaniment of something"?

Looking forward to hearing from you.
Thank you in advance.
Best wishes,

Jiang

1. "Realistic" in this situation suggests that the plan is being made more like "real life" or how things normally happen. "Practical" suggests that its easier to do. But really, they can both mean the same thing, and are techincally interchangable. "Realistic" reads better though.

2. Your interpretation is correct. And in your sentence, you could replace "periodical" with "cyclic", we often talk about the "cyclic" nature of economic models.

3. You can use "on". Personally, I would use neither and use "to" instead.

 

[Niall]

Yes, it means exactly that, that is a good way of putting it.

 

[jiang]

:-D
Dear Niall,

Thank you very much for your explanation. Now I see.

Jiang

Yes, it means exactly that, that is a good way of putting it.