at irregular intervals

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at irregular intervals" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe occurrences that happen at unpredictable or non-uniform times. Example: "The train arrives at irregular intervals, making it difficult to plan my journey."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She stopped drinking at irregular intervals.

The New Yorker

The Dansgaard-Oeschger (or D-O) events, which occurred at irregular intervals, have no apparent cause.

The New Yorker

I have reread it at irregular intervals, always with pleasure and renewed astonishment.

The Guardian - Books

She'd retrieve the money at irregular intervals, arranging to meet in various Borders bookstores.

The Guardian

Most investors buy in late, deploying and withdrawing big chunks of capital at irregular intervals.

The New Yorker

"Ven Och Vod?" is published at irregular intervals in Helsinki, Finland.

The New Yorker

At irregular intervals, however, he has intervened to shape inchoate developments.

The New York Times

"Identity T" moved fitfully, as the drummer Tommy Crane and the bassist Eivind Opsvik stopped time at irregular intervals.

The New York Times - Arts

If Germany had prevailed it would have been by exploiting the openings that came their way at irregular intervals.

The Guardian - Sport

As they steer passengers along the faux Venetian canals, they smile for the cameras, shouting 'Buon giorno!' at irregular intervals.

The New York Times - Travel

At irregular intervals the lights would suddenly dim, as if a cloud were moving across the sun.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at irregular intervals", ensure the context clearly indicates that the events or actions lack a predictable or consistent pattern. This helps avoid ambiguity and ensures your intended meaning is conveyed accurately.

Common error

Avoid using "at irregular intervals" when you mean to describe something that happens frequently or consistently, even if the exact timing varies. "At varying times" might be a better choice if frequency is high but timing is variable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at irregular intervals" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe when an action occurs. It specifies that the action happens without a set schedule or predictable timing, as supported by Ludwig's numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at irregular intervals" is a grammatically correct and widely used adverbial phrase that indicates events or actions occurring without a predictable or consistent pattern. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is found across various contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. To avoid ambiguity, ensure the context supports the intended meaning of unpredictable timing. Consider alternatives such as "sporadically" or "intermittently" to refine the intended nuance of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sporadically

Emphasizes the scattered and infrequent nature of occurrences.

intermittently

Highlights the stopping and starting nature of the occurrences.

occasionally

Focuses on the infrequency and randomness of the events.

without a fixed schedule

Clearly explains the absence of a set routine.

periodically

Suggests that events happen after certain time spans, but those are not uniform.

erratically

Emphasizes the unpredictable and inconsistent timing of events.

now and then

Implies a casual and somewhat unpredictable occurrence.

from time to time

Similar to "now and then", suggesting infrequent happenings.

on and off

Highlights the lack of consistency and the fluctuating nature of events.

randomly

Highlights the lack of a predictable pattern.

FAQs

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

You can use "at irregular intervals" to describe events or actions that occur without a fixed or predictable pattern. For example, "The updates to the software are released "at irregular intervals", so it's important to check frequently."

What can I say instead of "at irregular intervals"?

You can use alternatives like "sporadically", "intermittently", or "occasionally" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "at uneven intervals" instead of "at irregular intervals"?

Yes, "at uneven intervals" is a valid alternative to "at irregular intervals". Both phrases suggest that events or actions are not occurring at consistent or predictable times.

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

"At random intervals" implies a complete lack of pattern or predictability, while "at irregular intervals" suggests that there might be some underlying factor influencing the timing, even if it's not immediately obvious. While similar, "at random intervals" emphasizes chance, whereas "at irregular intervals" simply points out the lack of uniformity.