at haphazard intervals

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at haphazard intervals" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe occurrences that happen irregularly or without a specific pattern. Example: "The rain fell at haphazard intervals throughout the day, making it difficult to plan outdoor activities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Instead it is a claustrophobic, psychological piece, with action sequences strung out at haphazard intervals, rather than building to a conventional climax.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

George Porcari, "Greetings From LA: 24 Frames and 50 Years," at Haphazard.

Los Angeles Times

Starts at intervals, beginning at 10 a.m.

The New York Times - Arts

Repeat at regular intervals.

The Guardian - Travel

They bloom at odd intervals.

The New York Times

// synapses at regular intervals.

Yale University

But can lavish attention at regular intervals.

The Guardian

Rest breaks are required at designated intervals.

The New York Times

They perform only at infrequent intervals now.

The New Yorker

But at programmed intervals it blinks.

The New York Times - Arts

Slice the celery cabbage at 2.5cm intervals.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at haphazard intervals" to effectively convey a lack of predictability or order in the timing of events. This phrase adds a touch of sophistication to your writing, making it suitable for both formal and informal contexts when describing irregular occurrences.

Common error

Avoid using "at haphazard intervals" when you intend to describe events happening frequently or regularly. This phrase specifically denotes irregularity and a lack of planning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at haphazard intervals" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, adjective, or another adverb. It specifies when or how often something occurs, indicating that the action happens without any predictable pattern. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

50%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adverbial phrase "at haphazard intervals" is used to describe events or actions that occur irregularly and without a predictable pattern. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and suitable for both formal and informal contexts where a touch of sophistication is desired. While its frequency is rare, the phrase effectively communicates unpredictability and lack of order. The phrase can be found in both news articles and academic texts. Related phrases include "sporadically" and "irregularly".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at uneven intervals

Alternative phrasing replacing "haphazard" with "uneven".

at irregular times

Rephrasing using "times" to emphasize specific instances.

without a set pattern

Descriptive phrase emphasizing the absence of regularity.

irregularly

Single word replacement conveying lack of consistent pattern.

at unpredictable moments

Rephrasing highlighting the unexpected nature of occurrences.

sporadically

Single word replacement indicating occasional occurrence.

randomly

Single word replacement emphasizing lack of predictability.

every now and then

Idiomatic alternative suggesting occasional and unscheduled events.

off and on

Describes something that starts and stops without a clear pattern.

on occasion

Simple alternative implying infrequent occurrence.

FAQs

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

You can use "at haphazard intervals" to describe actions or events that occur irregularly or without a specific pattern. For example, "The rain fell "at haphazard intervals" throughout the day".

What phrases are similar to "at haphazard intervals"?

Similar phrases include "sporadically", "irregularly", "randomly", and "at uneven intervals".

Is it appropriate to use "at haphazard intervals" in formal writing?

Yes, "at haphazard intervals" can be used in formal writing. While it's not the most common phrase, it effectively communicates irregularity and can add nuance to your descriptions.

What's the difference between "at regular intervals" and "at haphazard intervals"?

"At regular intervals" implies a consistent and predictable timing, while "at haphazard intervals" suggests the opposite: an inconsistent and unpredictable timing.