at frequent intervals

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at frequent intervals" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe actions or events that occur repeatedly over a certain period of time. Example: "The train arrives at frequent intervals, making it convenient for commuters."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

At frequent intervals since the Greater N.Y.

The New Yorker

"Poor Sarah!" you find yourself thinking at frequent intervals.

The New York Times - Books

One side of the House applauded at frequent intervals.

The New Yorker

Reach instead for the fresh house rolls servers pass at frequent intervals.

The New York Times

At frequent intervals the narrative executes a nice flourish in the form of some densely emblematic image or epigrammatic remark.

The Guardian - Books

However, keen readers can change their posture at frequent intervals, holding the book in a different position.

The Guardian - Tech

But by now he was also developing a useful broadcasting practice, appearing at frequent intervals on the BBC Today programme.

The Guardian

The serialist's stock-in-trade, the cliffhanger pay-off, has the effect of making it unbearably tense at frequent intervals.

The Guardian - Books

It is a lesson that has been repeated at frequent intervals over the last 57 years, without ever quite seeming to stick.

The Guardian - Sport

It appears that the electron beams have to be interrupted at frequent intervals in order to allow the great heat generated to be dissipated.

The Guardian

The supervisors discreetly check on trainees' progress at frequent intervals, keeping extensive charts and records of their behavior and medical status.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at frequent intervals", ensure it's clear what action or event is being repeated. Adding context enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

While "at frequent intervals" is correct, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Consider using synonyms like "regularly" or "often" for a more varied style, especially in formal contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at frequent intervals" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase. It modifies verbs by indicating how often an action occurs. Ludwig provides examples from news, science, and encyclopedias demonstrating its versatile usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

37%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at frequent intervals" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to indicate that something happens repeatedly. Ludwig's examples show its prevalence across diverse contexts such as news, science, and encyclopedias. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English. While grammatically sound and widely used, it's advisable to vary your writing with synonyms like "regularly" or "often" to avoid repetition. Understanding these nuances will help you effectively incorporate "at frequent intervals" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at regular intervals

Synonymous, specifying equal time gaps between occurrences.

regularly

Single-word adverb that replaces the prepositional phrase for brevity.

often

Single-word adverb conveying a high occurrence rate.

repeatedly

Emphasizes the repetition aspect of the events.

periodically

Implies occurrence at specific time periods.

on a recurring basis

Formal expression indicating consistent re-occurrence.

with considerable frequency

More formal and verbose rephrasing of the original.

time after time

More informal way to emphasize the repetition.

at short intervals

Focuses on the brief duration between occurrences.

every so often

Informal, suggests irregular but noticeable occurrences.

FAQs

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

Use "at frequent intervals" to describe actions or events that happen repeatedly within a specific timeframe. For example, "The nurse checked the patient's vital signs "at frequent intervals"".

What phrases are similar to "at frequent intervals"?

Similar phrases include "regularly", "often", or "periodically". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

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

Both "at frequent intervals" and "at regular intervals" are correct, but they imply slightly different meanings. "Frequent" suggests many occurrences, while "regular" suggests consistent timing. Choose the one that best fits the situation.

Can I use "at frequent intervals" in formal writing?

Yes, "at frequent intervals" is appropriate for formal writing, but avoid overuse. Consider varying your language with synonyms like "periodically" or "regularly" to maintain reader engagement.