at distinct intervals

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at distinct intervals" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe actions or events that occur at separate, identifiable times. Example: "The train arrives at distinct intervals throughout the day, ensuring that passengers have frequent service."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The purity of the isolated cell fractions was evaluated using appropriate antibodies (Miltenyi Biotech, USA) at distinct intervals by cytometry performed on randomly selected isolates.

BMC Psychiatry

The formation of mechanosensory organs at distinct intervals in the zebrafish lateral line is, however, different from the directional dispersion of ENCCs, as ENCCs are dispersed evenly along the entire length of the gut.

BMC Biology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Lateral cephalograms were used to evaluate each patient at 3 distinct intervals: 7.0 ± 2.0 days before surgery (T1), 34.4 ± 15.0 days postsurgery (T2), and 458 ± 202 days after sagittal split osteotomy (T3).

American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics

However Benn et al (2000) have suggested that there were at least two distinct intervals (three possible regions) of 1p LOH in phaeochromocytoma.

British Journal of Cancer

It is difficult to find an exact explanation of the mechanism of these two remanence directions, but it is worth noting that at least for these distinct intervals there are some directional similarities to artifacts created by rock magnetic complexity discussed earlier.

Earth, Planets and Space

These are rhythmic and melodic patterns that emerge when series of notes in distinct intervals are played at high speed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This mechanism is mediated by the orchestrated activity of several spatially distributed brain sources located in the temporal, frontal, and parietal areas, which activate at distinct time intervals and are grouped in six main statistically independent components.

NeuroImage

P19cl6 cells were stimulated with recombinant Wif1 at distinct time intervals in the presence or absence of 1% DMSO.

Plosone

Typically, 3 5 larvae settled on the glass slide, which produced a sufficient number of settled polyps on the glass slides for FISH experiments at distinct time intervals.

Plosone

Clustering analysis revealed demarcated transcript groups with maximum gene activity at distinct developmental intervals.

BMC Biology

Further data collection will take place at distinct time intervals (see Fig.  1).

BMC Palliative Care

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at distinct intervals" when you want to emphasize that the intervals are clearly differentiated and not overlapping. This is particularly useful in scientific or technical writing where precision is important.

Common error

Avoid using "at distinct intervals" in informal writing or conversation. Simpler alternatives like "occasionally" or "sometimes" are often more appropriate and natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at distinct intervals" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to specify when or how frequently an action occurs. Ludwig provides examples showing its use to describe data collection and biological processes.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at distinct intervals" is a grammatically sound and usable adverbial phrase, primarily employed in formal and scientific writing. As confirmed by Ludwig, it serves to precisely specify the timing or frequency of events, emphasizing their non-continuous nature. While alternatives like "at separate intervals" or "at regular intervals" may be suitable depending on the intended meaning, it's best to reserve "at distinct intervals" for contexts where clarity and precision are paramount. It is also important to avoid overuse in casual conversations where other phrases are more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at separate intervals

Emphasizes the separation between the intervals.

at specific intervals

Highlights that the intervals are precisely defined.

at different intervals

Focuses on the variability in the intervals.

at discrete intervals

Stresses the clear and individual nature of each interval.

at differing intervals

Highlights the variance in the intervals, similar to "at different intervals".

at defined intervals

Suggests the intervals are clearly established or demarcated.

at regular intervals

Implies a consistent and predictable pattern of intervals.

at set intervals

Implies a predetermined schedule for the intervals.

periodically

A single word that conveys the idea of recurring at intervals.

intermittently

Suggests that the intervals are not necessarily regular, but occur from time to time.

FAQs

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

You can use "at distinct intervals" to describe events that happen at separate, identifiable times. For example, "The data was collected at distinct intervals to observe changes over time."

What phrases are similar to "at distinct intervals"?

Similar phrases include "at separate intervals", "at specific intervals", or "at different intervals", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "at distinct intervals" or "at regular intervals"?

The choice depends on the context. "At regular intervals" implies consistent timing, while "at distinct intervals" simply means the intervals are separate and identifiable but not necessarily equal in length or duration.

Can I use "at distinct intervals" to describe spatial separation?

While less common, "at distinct intervals" can refer to spatial separation if each interval represents a specific location or point. However, it's more frequently used to denote time intervals.