at appropriate intervals

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at appropriate intervals" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the timing or frequency of actions or events that should occur at suitable or fitting times. Example: "The maintenance team should check the equipment at appropriate intervals to ensure optimal performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In this case, unmanned instrumented buoys are interrogated by a central master station at appropriate intervals.

Britannica

That way, you can check in at appropriate intervals and they won't feel blindsided.

Harvard Business Review

Performance appraisals of board members and effectiveness reviews of the board are undertaken at appropriate intervals determined by the board.

The Guardian

Use the adjacent lap timer to ensure that you reapply sunscreen at appropriate intervals.

The New York Times

At appropriate intervals during construction, the NRC shall publish notices of the successful completion of ITAAC in the Federal Register.

Cornell University

Understanding people's motivations, discerning consumer insights, creating compelling messages and delivering them across multiple channels and devices at appropriate intervals remain fundamental inputs to successful marketing communications.

The Guardian

To help adjust the instrument readings in a process, standards are frequently interspersed among unknown specimens at appropriate intervals.

Computational Statistics & Data Analysis

Group discussions at appropriate intervals would help the older students to evaluate their direction and maintain their focus as they work in independent groups.

Yale University

They also wanted to see records of equipment cleaning to make sure that was occurring at appropriate intervals to prevent food safety issues.

Cornell University

Serving as toastmaster, William vanden Heuvel made it clear that the gathering was but the first of a series of Schlesinger-Geburtstagsfeste that would be held at appropriate intervals through the next quarter of a century.

The New Yorker

Most chapters are just a few pages long and tend to end with a cliffhanger sentence so obvious, so thrilling and so bold that the authors might simply have typed "To be continued …" at appropriate intervals throughout.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at appropriate intervals", clearly define what determines 'appropriate' within the given context. This adds clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "at appropriate intervals" without specifying the criteria for appropriateness. What seems suitable to one person might not be to another, leading to miscommunication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at appropriate intervals" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb by specifying when an action should occur. Ludwig examples show it qualifies actions ranging from software updates to medical check-ups.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

29%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at appropriate intervals" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to indicate that an action should be performed periodically, with the timing determined by the specific context or need. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and very common across various domains, including science, news, and academia. While alternatives such as "at suitable times" or "at regular intervals" exist, "at appropriate intervals" emphasizes the flexibility and context-dependent nature of the timing. When using this phrase, ensure that the criteria for 'appropriate' are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at suitable times

Replaces "intervals" with a more general term for time, implying appropriateness based on the specific context.

at regular intervals

Focuses on the consistency of timing, rather than the appropriateness.

at fitting moments

Emphasizes the suitability of the timing, often implying a degree of serendipity or good fortune.

at pertinent junctures

More formal, indicating critical or significant times for action.

at opportune moments

Highlights the advantageous nature of the timing.

when the time is right

Informal and emphasizes readiness or optimal conditions.

as needed

Implies frequency is determined by necessity rather than a predetermined schedule.

periodically

Refers to repetition over time, without specifying appropriateness.

when appropriate

Directly addresses suitability but lacks the temporal aspect of "intervals".

at specific times

Focuses on particular, designated times, differing from intervals.

FAQs

How can I use "at appropriate intervals" in a sentence?

You can use "at appropriate intervals" to indicate that something should be done or checked periodically, with the timing depending on the specific situation. For example, "The software should be updated "at appropriate intervals" to maintain security".

What are some alternatives to "at appropriate intervals"?

Alternatives include "at suitable times", "at regular intervals", or "as needed", depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "at appropriate intervals" and "at regular intervals"?

"At regular intervals" suggests a consistent, predetermined schedule, while "at appropriate intervals" implies that the timing should be adjusted based on circumstances or needs.

When is it best to use "at appropriate intervals" over other similar phrases?

Use "at appropriate intervals" when the timing of an action or event should be flexible and responsive to changing conditions, rather than rigidly fixed. It's especially useful when the criteria for 'appropriate' are well-defined within the context.