By turns

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "By turns" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation where something changes or alternates in a sequential manner. Example: "The weather was by turns sunny and rainy throughout the day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

By turns, these investigators, Capt.

The New York Times

By turns imperious and unctuous — "My dear Thornton.

The New Yorker

By turns it's eerie, skittish, bruising and panting.

The New York Times - Arts

By turns, the issue has been quarrelsome and collegial.

The New York Times - Sports

By turns, (vec {x}) can be calculated completely.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

By turns and with one exception, each dancer jittered alone.

Huffington Post

It is by turns heartbreaking and heartwarming.

The Economist

I was by turns infatuated and disappointed.

The New Yorker

It thrilled and depressed me by turns.

The Guardian

Turangalîla sashays and seduces, by turns.

The Guardian - Music

She is by turns bleached and burgeoning.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "By turns" to describe alternating or changing qualities, actions, or states within a narrative or description. It adds a sense of dynamic movement or shifting perspective.

Common error

Avoid using "By turns" when you simply want to express variety or diversity without a clear sense of one thing following another. In such cases, consider alternatives like "variously" or "in different ways."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "By turns" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or adjective to indicate that something occurs or changes in a sequential or alternating manner. It is used to describe qualities or actions that alternate, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "By turns" is an adverbial phrase used to describe alternating or sequential changes in qualities, actions, or states. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and versatile, suitable for a range of contexts from news and media to literature. It is most effectively used to add depth to descriptions by indicating fluctuating characteristics, and while versatile and frequent, it's important to ensure that its meaning is correctly applied to reflect an alternating rather than simply diverse nature. With this guidance, writers can confidently and accurately integrate "By turns" into their vocabulary, enhancing the descriptive power of their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Alternately

Focuses directly on the alternating nature of the actions or qualities.

In succession

Emphasizes the sequential aspect, one following the other.

One after the other

Highlights the order in which events or qualities occur.

In rotation

Implies a cyclical or repeating sequence.

At intervals

Focuses on the intermittent nature of the actions.

Intermittently

Emphasizes the ceasing and starting again of the actions.

From time to time

Highlights the occasional or sporadic nature.

Periodically

Indicates actions occurring at regular intervals.

Variously

Suggests differing qualities or aspects being displayed.

Serially

Highlights the ordered sequence, often in a more technical context.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "By turns" in a sentence?

Use "By turns" to indicate alternating characteristics or actions. For example: "The play was "by turns hilarious and tragic", captivating the audience with its emotional range."

What phrases are similar in meaning to "By turns"?

Alternatives to "By turns" include "alternately", "in succession", or "one after the other". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is it grammatically correct to use "By turns" at the beginning of a sentence?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. For instance, "By turns, the issue has been quarrelsome and collegial."

What is the difference between "By turns" and "In turn"?

"By turns" implies an alternating sequence of events or qualities, while "in turn" suggests a sequential dependency, where one action leads to another in a chain reaction.