at unpredictable intervals

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at unpredictable intervals" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe events or actions that occur at irregular or random times. Example: "The train arrives at unpredictable intervals, making it difficult for passengers to plan their journeys."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

It fell every night, at unpredictable intervals.

The New York Times - Magazine

Since then, the band's leader, Sky Saxon, has reappeared at unpredictable intervals.

The New York Times

All evergreen just bursts into bloom now and then at unpredictable intervals.

The New Yorker

Creeley, when using rhyme, employs it at unpredictable intervals and as a form of emphasis.

The New York Times - Books

They are slow and often smelly, and come at unpredictable intervals.

The Economist

Ferrall is also prone to yelling, "Stay away from my sister!" at unpredictable intervals, and chanting "Haymaker!

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

Influenza A viruses may cause pandemics at unpredictable, irregular intervals resulting in devastating social and economic effects worldwide [ 1].

BMC Public Health

Bend and unbend your knees and your right elbow at fast and unpredictable intervals.

WikiHow

But those sources vary in strength and occur infrequently, at irregular intervals, and in unpredictable places.

Science Magazine

She stopped drinking at irregular intervals.

The New Yorker

I had the opportunity to work and care for a wide variety of people who became sick not at predetermined intervals but at unpredictable hours of the day and night.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at unpredictable intervals" to add a sense of randomness or uncertainty to your writing, particularly when describing events that lack a clear pattern. For instance, "The software updates were released at unpredictable intervals, frustrating users."

Common error

Avoid using "at unpredictable intervals" when a more specific term is appropriate. For example, instead of saying "The meetings occurred at unpredictable intervals", specify the range: "The meetings occurred every two to three weeks."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at unpredictable intervals" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to indicate when or how frequently an action occurs. As Ludwig AI indicates, it correctly and clearly describes the irregular timing of events.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at unpredictable intervals" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe events occurring without a set pattern. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for various contexts, including news, science, and general discussions. While alternatives like "at random intervals" or "sporadically" exist, this phrase effectively conveys the sense of randomness and lack of predictability. Using this expression appropriately can enhance clarity and add a descriptive element to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at random intervals

Emphasizes the lack of any discernible pattern, highlighting complete unpredictability.

at irregular intervals

Focuses on the uneven spacing between occurrences, suggesting a lack of fixed timing.

unpredictably

A simpler adverbial form conveying the same meaning, focusing on the manner of occurrence.

sporadically

Implies infrequent and scattered occurrences, emphasizing the lack of a regular schedule.

intermittently

Suggests periods of activity followed by periods of inactivity, highlighting the on-and-off nature.

now and then

Indicates occasional appearances, emphasizing that the events are not constant or routine.

from time to time

Similar to 'now and then', highlighting occasional and non-systematic occurrences.

on occasion

Stresses the infrequency and special nature of the events, implying they are not commonplace.

without warning

Emphasizes the sudden and unexpected nature of the events, focusing on the lack of anticipation.

out of the blue

Highlights the complete lack of predictability, suggesting the events appear without any prior indication.

FAQs

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

Use "at unpredictable intervals" to describe events or actions that occur without a set pattern or schedule. For instance, "The server experienced downtime "at unpredictable intervals", disrupting workflow".

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

You can use alternatives like "at random intervals", "sporadically", or "intermittently" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it better to use "at unpredictable times" or "at unpredictable intervals"?

Both phrases are correct, but "at unpredictable times" refers more generally to when something happens, while "at unpredictable intervals" often implies a recurring event with irregular spacing. Choose the phrase that best fits your specific context.

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

"At irregular intervals" suggests a lack of uniform spacing but might imply some level of pattern, whereas "at unpredictable intervals" emphasizes the complete absence of any foreseeable pattern or timing.