at intermittent intervals

USAGE SUMMARY

"at intermittent intervals" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use "at intermittent intervals" to refer to times or periods that occur irregularly or at random, or that are not regular or consistent. For example, "I've been feeling unwell for the last few days at intermittent intervals".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Events proceeded in straightforward linear fashion, with the novel's narrator on hand as helpful expositionist at intermittent intervals.

The New York Times

Until such a display of national resolve materializes, the massacres will occur at intermittent intervals, the toll of needless deaths will climb, and our overseas friends will continue to shake their heads, saying, "It's America, you know.

The New Yorker

But the bat-and-ball games are a series of one-on-one confrontations, which require the participation of teammates at intermittent intervals.

The Economist

That is a loading pressure between 5 10 MPa and a loading frequency of 1 Hz exerted at intermittent intervals for a period of a week or longer.

Journal of Experimental Orthopaedics

When primary cultures containing up to greater than or equal to 20 cell aggregates were used for serial reculture at intermittent intervals of 3 and 4 days, a 2-7-fold increase of colony-forming cells was found in tertiary cultures as was monitored by 7 day colony counts.

Duke University

A careful qualitative interpretation of the results suggests that for chondrocyte-seeded cultivated constructs a loading pressure between 5 10 MPa and a loading frequency of 1 Hz exerted at intermittent intervals for a period of a week or longer are recommended as appropriate mechanical stimulus.

Journal of Experimental Orthopaedics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

The key difference between the two games is that where the former's stamina drops fast and requires constant replenishing, Deadly Premonition's falls slower, encouraging eating at more intermittent intervals.

Vice

In the deep sea and along the continental slope, benthic observations have often been limited to seasonal or longer time scales, conducted at irregular and intermittent intervals.

Journal of Marine Systems

EIS was performed at intermittent time intervals to understand the extent of dezincification in Zn Ni alloys and to determine the polarization resistance change with respect to time.

Electrochimica Acta

The show signals its nonverbal intentions with an introductory dance, and intermittent intervals of mere movement persist throughout; the silences in the production are striking.

The New York Times

However, with increased exposure over intermittent intervals, it remembers the information longer.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing events or actions that don't happen continuously, use "at intermittent intervals" to accurately convey the sporadic nature. This is especially useful in scientific, medical, or technical writing where precision is important.

Common error

Avoid using "at intermittent intervals" when you actually mean a continuous or constant action. This phrase indicates breaks or pauses, so ensure it aligns with the intended meaning of discontinuity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at intermittent intervals" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to specify when something occurs. As Ludwig AI suggests, it describes actions or events that happen irregularly, rather than continuously or at fixed times. Examples show its use in various contexts from describing mechanical stimuli to events.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

43%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at intermittent intervals" is a grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to describe actions or events that occur sporadically rather than continuously. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides examples across varied contexts. Predominantly found in science and news media, the phrase communicates the timing and frequency of events with emphasis on irregularity. While "intermittently" is a shorter alternative, "at intermittent intervals" offers a more descriptive nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intermittently

This describes something ceasing and starting again; more about a lack of continuation.

periodically

This term focuses on recurrence at generally regular, but not necessarily continuous, times.

sporadically

This emphasizes the irregular and infrequent nature of the occurrences.

irregularly

This highlights the lack of a fixed pattern or schedule in the occurrences.

at irregular times

This describes something that happens at no defined time.

on occasion

This suggests the event happens sometimes, but not often or regularly.

from time to time

This indicates occasional occurrences, spread out over a period.

every now and then

This implies that events happen occasionally without a set pattern.

off and on

This suggests a pattern of starting and stopping, rather than a consistent presence.

once in a while

This indicates a low frequency of occurrence.

FAQs

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

You can use "at intermittent intervals" to describe events or actions that occur sporadically, such as "The machine operates "at intermittent intervals" to conserve energy".

What's a simple way to rephrase "at intermittent intervals"?

Alternatives include phrases like "sporadically", "periodically", or "intermittently", which all convey a similar meaning of occurring irregularly.

Is it better to say "at intermittent intervals" or "intermittently"?

Both are correct, but "at intermittent intervals" is a more descriptive phrase that emphasizes the separation in time, while "intermittently" is a more concise adverb.

What is the difference between "at regular intervals" and "at intermittent intervals"?

"At regular intervals" implies a consistent, timed separation between occurrences, while "at intermittent intervals" indicates that the timing is irregular and unpredictable.