at random intervals

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at random intervals" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe occurrences that happen unpredictably or without a fixed schedule. Example: "The notifications will appear at random intervals throughout the day, keeping users engaged."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Sometimes he chops the air, at random intervals.

The Guardian

Occasionally, at random intervals, the Earth's magnetic field reverses.

University of California, Berkeley

A subject wears an earpiece and a beeper sounds at random intervals.

The New Yorker

A hand inserted itself into the frame at random intervals to rake the sand.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Historical figures aren't human flotsam, swirling into public awareness at random intervals.

The New Yorker

An onstage jazz band broke into the addicts' anxious boredom at random intervals.

The New York Times

Laugh uncomfortably at random intervals and make comments like, "What, this?

The New Yorker

Across the road, there was a huge buzz-cut field, with cows at random intervals.

The New Yorker

Walls of water rise and vanish at random intervals in the bathing-suit-friendly "Appearing Rooms".

The New Yorker

James Logan has won a patent for a timepiece that deliberately runs fast at random intervals during the day.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Heat stimuli were applied eight times at random intervals of 25 35 s.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at random intervals" to effectively convey unpredictability in schedules, events, or experimental designs. For example, "The software checks for updates at random intervals to avoid server overload."

Common error

Avoid using "at random intervals" when you actually mean uniformly distributed intervals. Randomness implies no predictable pattern, while uniformity suggests an equal spacing or distribution over time or space.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at random intervals" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the timing of an action or event. As shown in Ludwig, it specifies that something occurs without a predictable schedule.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at random intervals" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe events that occur without a predictable pattern. As Ludwig AI confirms, its versatility allows it to fit various contexts. It's important to remember that "random" here denotes an absence of any predictable sequence, schedule, or method. Be cautious not to confuse true randomness with distributions that are merely irregular or non-uniform. Its frequency and presence in reputable sources like The New Yorker, The Guardian, and The New York Times solidify its standing as a reliable choice for conveying unpredictability. While alternatives like "at arbitrary intervals" and "at unpredictable intervals" exist, "at random intervals" remains a clear and widely understood option.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at arbitrary intervals

Emphasizes the lack of a specific reason or plan behind the timing, suggesting it's based on someone's choice.

at randomized intervals

Implies a deliberate process of randomization to ensure unpredictability and fairness.

at unpredictable intervals

Highlights the impossibility of knowing when the events will occur, focusing on the uncertainty.

at irregular intervals

Suggests a lack of consistency in the spacing of events, without necessarily implying randomness.

at sporadic intervals

Indicates that events occur infrequently and irregularly, with periods of inactivity in between.

at unexpected intervals

Focuses on the surprise element, implying the events happen when they are least anticipated.

at intermittent intervals

Conveys a sense of stopping and starting, with events occurring periodically but not continuously.

at chance intervals

Highlights that the events occur by chance or accident, without any intended design.

at unscheduled intervals

Highlights absence of planning when events take place.

from time to time

Suggests that something happens occasionally, but does not necessarily specify randomness.

FAQs

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

You can use "at random intervals" to describe events or actions that occur unpredictably. For example, "The website displays advertisements "at random intervals" to maximize user engagement."

What are some alternatives to "at random intervals"?

Alternatives include "at arbitrary intervals", "at unpredictable intervals", or "sporadically", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "on random intervals" instead of "at random intervals"?

No, the correct preposition to use with "random intervals" in this context is "at". Saying "on random intervals" is grammatically incorrect.

What does "at random intervals" imply about the events being described?

It implies that there is no set schedule or pattern for the events. Their occurrence is unpredictable and not governed by any known rule or timing mechanism.