at set intervals

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at set intervals" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe actions or events that occur repeatedly after specific, regular periods of time. Example: "The maintenance team checks the equipment at set intervals to ensure everything is functioning properly."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

So spaced repetition – revisiting information regularly at set intervals over time – makes a lot of sense.

The Guardian

Main Outcome Measures: Measurements during the typing task were taken at set intervals.

Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Asking that patient to rate care at set intervals, however, may help observe some of those emerging outcomes.

Harvard Business Review

Crucial to the set-up was the fact that, no matter what the pigeon did, the food came and went at set intervals.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In this game, you press your fingers down on certain triggers at set intervals to create a sequence of musical notes.

The New York Times - Tech

It allows one alert message to be transmitted as multiple digital messages, and the system can be programmed to repeat the emergency message at set intervals.

The New York Times

The theft-of-Mrs-Digby subplot appears in brief flashes at set intervals, breaking in like commercials for another story entirely.

The Guardian - Books

Each system logs data at set intervals with front-panel display, web page graphical display and email alerting when exceeding set tolerances.

Measurement

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Thus, tracheal suctioning of intubated patients should be performed on an as-needed basis that is defined by the quantity of secretions obtained, not at prescribed, set intervals.

Critical Care

The datalogger consists of an internal electric circuit, which records voltage (V) at a set interval.

Applied Animal Behaviour Science

For each specimen, the studs were connected to each other with two self-drilling screws spaced at a set interval.

Thin-Walled Structures

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a process or experiment, use "at set intervals" to clearly indicate when measurements or actions were taken. This enhances the clarity and reproducibility of your work.

Common error

While "at set intervals" and at "at regular intervals" are similar, "at set intervals" emphasizes a predetermined, specific schedule. If the timing is consistent but not necessarily pre-planned, at "at regular intervals" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at set intervals" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate when an action occurs. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and useful construction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

36%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at set intervals" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to describe actions or events that occur repeatedly on a predetermined schedule. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is correct and suitable for various contexts. While synonyms like at "at regular intervals" exist, "at set intervals" emphasizes a pre-defined plan. It's frequently used in scientific, news, and technical writing to specify timing, enhancing clarity and reproducibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at defined intervals

Similar, but may imply greater precision in the time gaps.

at predetermined times

Emphasizes the pre-planned nature of the timing.

at uniform intervals

Highlights the consistency and evenness of the time gaps.

at fixed times

Focuses on specific points in time rather than durations.

regularly

Implies consistent timing, but can be more general.

on a recurring schedule

Highlights the scheduled nature of the repetition.

periodically

Single word adverb, simpler and less formal.

according to a timetable

Suggests a more structured and formal arrangement.

at established frequencies

More formal and scientific, emphasizing the rate of recurrence.

at prearranged moments

Emphasizes prior arrangement and specific moments.

FAQs

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

Use "at set intervals" to describe actions or events that happen repeatedly after a specific period of time. For example, "The data was recorded at set intervals during the experiment."

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

While both phrases imply repetition, "at set intervals" suggests a pre-defined schedule, whereas at "at regular intervals" might simply indicate consistent timing without a strict plan.

What are some alternatives to using "at set intervals"?

You can use phrases like "periodically", "regularly", or "at fixed times" as alternatives to "at set intervals", depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to use "at set intervals" in formal writing?

Yes, "at set intervals" is grammatically correct and suitable for both formal and informal writing. Ludwig AI confirms its validity.