at unpredictable times

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at unpredictable times" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe events or actions that occur without a predictable schedule or pattern. Example: "The weather in this region can change dramatically, often at unpredictable times, catching travelers off guard."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Behavioral and Brain Functions

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

With VI schedules a possible confusion of reinforcement effects with timing problems is avoided, as reinforcers are presented at unpredictable times [ 15].

Behavioral and Brain Functions

Knights and knaves gradually intermarry, and within three generations everybody on the island lies occasionally, at unpredictable times.

The New Yorker

Some quarters, if they are lucky, get perhaps two hours of electricity a day, at unpredictable times in the painful heat.

The New York Times

"They don't like the way he attacks at unpredictable times, and generally likes to be a thorn in the side for any team trying to control the race.

The Guardian - Sport

It also chose to tolerate gaps in naval presence in some theaters, viewing consistency as less crucial to deterrence than before, and "surging" forces at unpredictable times and places instead.

The New York Times

In normal times, according to Vishnu Sharma, a 36-year-old resident, he and his family receive, at unpredictable times, around an hour and a half of muddy piped water each week.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

The US was delivered at unpredictable time points within the time frame of the CS± after the maximal spectrum of the colour was achieved to maximize unpredictability (Grillon et al., 2006).

European Journal of Neuroscience

Each animal was called at several, unpredictable times each day and the computer programme ensured that the total feed supply was sufficient for each animal.

Applied Animal Behaviour Science

I especially loved the court at Passage Thiéré, which, though it existed only at odd and unpredictable times, was a mere five minutes' walk from my apartment on rue Boulle.

The New York Times - Magazine

In the oddball paradigm, a sequence of identical "standard" stimuli is interrupted at random and unpredictable times by "deviant" stimuli that possess some changed features, such as tonal frequency, intensity, or duration.

Brain Informatics

Although it was stressed that the sound is irrelevant to the task (reporting phosphenes), the sound nevertheless served as a warning cue for the forthcoming TMS pulse whose delivery was expected to induce phosphenes at an invariant location but at an unpredictable time point.

Current Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at unpredictable times" to clearly communicate that events or actions lack a consistent or foreseeable schedule. This can add emphasis to the uncertain nature of the timing.

Common error

Avoid using "at unpredictable times" as a default. Consider whether a more precise term like "randomly", "sporadically", or "intermittently" would better convey the intended meaning and add clarity to your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at unpredictable times" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to specify when an action or event occurs. It indicates that the timing of the action is not fixed or predictable. As Ludwig confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at unpredictable times" is a common and grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to indicate that events occur without a discernible schedule. Ludwig confirms its usability and correctness. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, especially in News & Media and Scientific writing. While effective, consider using synonyms like "randomly" or "sporadically" for greater precision. Avoid overuse and be mindful of more context-specific alternatives. This phrase effectively highlights the uncertainty surrounding an event's timing, contributing to clear and informative communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

randomly

Highlights the complete lack of pattern in the timing.

sporadically

Single word adverb conveying irregularity.

intermittently

Highlights that occurrences stop and start with no fixed schedule.

erratically

Emphasizes the lack of pattern and potential for unexpected changes.

without warning

Emphasizes the surprise element and lack of anticipation.

on occasion

Implies a less frequent and less predictable occurrence.

out of the blue

Informal expression suggesting sudden and unexpected events.

on the spur of the moment

Highlights spontaneity and lack of pre-planning.

as chance would have it

Emphasizes the role of luck or fate in the timing.

now and then

Highlights an infrequent but unpredictable timing.

FAQs

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

The phrase "at unpredictable times" is used to describe events that occur without a set pattern or schedule. For example: "The power outages happen "at unpredictable times", making it difficult to plan."

What are some alternatives to "at unpredictable times"?

Alternatives include "randomly", "sporadically", or "intermittently". The best choice depends on the specific context.

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

"At unpredictable times" emphasizes the lack of a discernible pattern, while "at unexpected times" highlights the surprise factor. The choice depends on which aspect you want to emphasize.

What does "at unpredictable times" imply about an event?

It implies that the event's occurrence cannot be reliably predicted or anticipated, often due to a lack of consistent cause or schedule. It indicates a degree of randomness or irregularity.