at regular intervals

USAGE SUMMARY

"at regular intervals" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the phrase when you want to describe something that happens at a set frequency, either over a period of time (eg. every week, every hour) or in relation to a larger whole (eg. every tenth word, every fifth page). For example: I run every morning at regular intervals to stay in shape.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Repeat at regular intervals.

The Guardian - Travel

// synapses at regular intervals.

Yale University

She checks her email at regular intervals.

Independent

They are replaced at regular intervals".

The New York Times

and sampled at regular intervals.

Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part B: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

But can lavish attention at regular intervals.

The Guardian

Gospel references come at regular intervals.

The Guardian - Books

The samples were weighed at regular intervals.

Carbon

At regular intervals the hearing took a theatrical turn.

The Guardian

Billboards approached at regular intervals, like incoming waves.

The New Yorker

Musicians will be performing at regular intervals throughout the festival.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a planned sequence of actions, use "at regular intervals" to convey reliability and predictability. For example: "The software checks for updates at regular intervals to ensure optimal performance."

Common error

Avoid using "at regular intervals" when the occurrences are only approximately regular. Instead, use phrases like "from time to time" or "occasionally" if the timing varies.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at regular intervals" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb. It specifies the frequency or timing of an action, indicating that it occurs repeatedly with consistent spacing. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is grammatically sound and widely applicable across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

35%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at regular intervals" is a versatile and grammatically sound adverbial phrase used to describe events that occur repeatedly with consistent timing. Ludwig AI affirms its validity and wide applicability. It is commonly found in news, scientific, and academic writing, providing clarity about the frequency of actions. While alternatives like "periodically" and "on a regular basis" exist, "at regular intervals" offers a specific emphasis on predictable spacing. When using this phrase, ensure that the events truly occur at consistent intervals to avoid misleading your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at fixed periods

Similar to "at regular intervals" but emphasizes the duration between occurrences.

on a regular basis

Replaces "intervals" with "basis", focusing on consistent routine.

at consistent frequencies

Focuses on the rate of occurrence rather than the spacing.

periodically

Single word alternative, implies recurrence over time.

at determined increments

Emphasizes specific units of increase or repetition.

at set times

More specific, suggesting pre-determined points in time.

on a schedule

Implies adherence to a planned timetable.

every so often

More informal, suggesting less precise regularity.

at predictable moments

Highlights the ease of anticipating the event.

rhythmically

Suggests a patterned or measured occurrence.

FAQs

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

You can use "at regular intervals" to describe actions or events that happen with consistent timing, such as "The medication should be taken "at regular intervals" throughout the day".

What are some alternatives to saying "at regular intervals"?

Alternatives include phrases like "periodically", "on a regular basis", or "at fixed periods", which all suggest consistent timing or spacing.

Is it more formal to say "at regular intervals" or "periodically"?

"At regular intervals" and "periodically" are both suitable for formal contexts, but "at regular intervals" may be slightly more explicit in emphasizing the consistent spacing between occurrences.

How does "at regular intervals" differ from "at random intervals"?

"At regular intervals" implies predictability and consistent timing, whereas "at random intervals" suggests unpredictable and inconsistent timing. The opposite of ""at regular intervals"" is "at random intervals".