at fixed intervals

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at fixed intervals" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe actions or events that occur regularly or at specific, consistent times. Example: "The maintenance checks are performed at fixed intervals to ensure the equipment remains in good working condition."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Furthermore, most rural or extension services operate with paper records, which are physically transported to central locations at fixed intervals.

Cornell University

Hybrid Online/Offline Learning: Typically models are trained offline at fixed intervals (e.g., every night) resulting in stale models.

University of California, Berkeley

His idea was that the bottles should be dug up at fixed intervals, and the seeds planted to see how many of them would sprout.

The Guardian - Opinion

Roundelay, a poem with a refrain that recurs frequently or at fixed intervals, as in a rondel.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A Periodic Payment Order authorizes Accounts Payable to make a fixed payment at fixed intervals for a specific period of time.

Stanford University

Cycle control software saves the measured beam currents and count rate, as well as all system parameters to disc at fixed intervals throughout each measurement.

Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section B: Beam Interactions with Materials and Atoms

It involves the precise measurement at fixed intervals of 24 h of the time-of-flight of both compressional and shear waves using high-frequency ultrasound.

NDT & E International

Jeffrey P. Bezos, the chief executive of the online retailer Amazon.com Inc., has adopted a plan committing him to selling company stock at fixed intervals, a move that might shield him from future questions about insider trading.

The New York Times

Therefore, cell performance analysis, electrochemical impedance analysis, and durability testing at the voltage cyclic condition at fixed intervals were conducted to evaluate the adhesive effect.

Electrochimica Acta

Risk assessment is concerned with discovering threat paths between potential attackers and critical assets, and is generally carried out during a system's design and then at fixed intervals during its operational life.

Computers & Security

Christians did not have to submit to the rhythms of the sun, as if that fireball were divine, but could ordain prayer at fixed intervals, like stages on a linear pilgrimage.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a process that involves repeated actions, use "at fixed intervals" to clearly communicate the regularity and consistency of those actions. For example, "The data is backed up at fixed intervals to ensure no loss of information."

Common error

Avoid using "at fixed intervals" when the actual intervals are variable or only approximately consistent. Instead, opt for phrases like "periodically" or "intermittently" to reflect the irregular nature of the occurrences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at fixed intervals" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs and providing information about when or how frequently an action occurs. Ludwig AI's examples show it specifies the timing of events, measurements, or actions, indicating consistent regularity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

58%

Academia

16%

News & Media

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at fixed intervals" is a prepositional phrase functioning as an adverbial, used to denote that something occurs regularly and predictably. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and commonly used, especially in scientific, academic, and news contexts. To use it effectively, ensure the actions you describe genuinely occur at regular intervals, and consider alternatives like "periodically" or "at regular intervals" if the timing is less precise. Avoiding overuse can enhance clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at regular intervals

Emphasizes consistent spacing or timing, serving as a direct synonym.

at defined intervals

Emphasizes clarity and precision in the intervals.

at set intervals

Implies a pre-determined schedule or arrangement.

at specific intervals

Highlights the distinct and particular nature of each interval.

at recurring intervals

Highlights the repeated nature of the intervals.

at pre-set intervals

Indicates that the intervals were determined in advance.

periodically

Focuses on the repetition of an event over time.

at established intervals

Suggests that the intervals are well-known or agreed upon.

at timed intervals

Stresses the importance of precise timing.

on a fixed schedule

Indicates adherence to a predetermined timetable.

FAQs

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

You can use "at fixed intervals" to describe any process or action that repeats regularly. For example, "The machine performs maintenance checks at fixed intervals" or "Medications should be taken at fixed intervals for optimal effectiveness".

What are some alternatives to saying "at fixed intervals"?

Alternatives include "at regular intervals", "periodically", or "at set intervals". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to use "at fixed intervals" or "at regular intervals"?

Both phrases are generally interchangeable, but "at fixed intervals" emphasizes the consistency and predictability of the timing, while "at regular intervals" simply denotes that occurrences are evenly spaced.

What's the difference between "at fixed intervals" and "at random intervals"?

"At fixed intervals" indicates a predictable schedule, while "at random intervals" suggests that occurrences happen unpredictably and without any set pattern.