at various intervals

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at various intervals" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe occurrences or actions that happen at different times or distances apart. Example: "The train arrives at various intervals throughout the day, making it convenient for passengers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Matthew Passion" included — that flood the auditorium at various intervals.

The New York Times - Arts

The patients were surveyed at different times — just after the operation and at various intervals thereafter.

The New Yorker

Just seeing a readout of their vitals at various intervals could help, Dr. Singer said.

The New York Times

Their bodies morph together at various intervals during the work to create a compact human cube.

The New York Times - Arts

The patients were surveyed at different times just after the operation and at various intervals thereafter.

The New Yorker

The interview pauses and restarts at various intervals as Ms. Alaya recomposes herself.

The New York Times

At various intervals, the mural is 12 to 16 feet deep.

The New York Times

The potential to avoid disaster at various intervals becomes stronger," said Aggarwal.

Columbia University

Over the following nine months, the voters were surveyed at various intervals to see what those conversations had achieved.

The New Yorker

Their ability to repeat those sequences was then tested at various intervals, including after one and two nights of sleep.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The team then determined skin redness--a measure of cell damage--at various intervals after the exposure.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at various intervals" to clearly indicate that something happens repeatedly but not at consistent or predictable times. This helps to avoid implying a regular schedule when none exists.

Common error

While "at various intervals" is a useful phrase, overusing it can make your writing sound repetitive. Consider using synonyms like "periodically" or "intermittently" to add variety.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at various intervals" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify the timing or frequency of an action. As confirmed by Ludwig, it indicates that something occurs repeatedly but not at consistent or predictable times. It specifies when something occurs in relation to other events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

42%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Academia

4%

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at various intervals" is a versatile and commonly used adverbial phrase that indicates actions or events occurring repeatedly, but not at regular or predictable times. As Ludwig confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for both formal and informal writing. The phrase is most frequently found in scientific and news media contexts. While it's a useful phrase, remember to avoid overuse by considering synonyms like "periodically" or "intermittently". This will help to maintain clarity and prevent redundancy in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at different moments

Focuses on the variation in specific points in time.

from time to time

A common idiom indicating occasional or intermittent occurrences.

intermittently

Highlights the stopping and starting nature of the occurrences.

at irregular periods

Emphasizes the lack of a fixed pattern in the timing of events.

at random instances

Conveys the idea of events occurring without any discernible order.

at sporadic times

Highlights the occasional and unpredictable nature of the occurrences.

at diverse points

Highlights the wide range of different locations or times at which events occur.

at shifting junctures

Suggests a changing or evolving set of circumstances affecting when events happen.

periodically

Suggests that events occur with some degree of regularity, but not necessarily at fixed intervals.

at varied stages

Implies that events are happening at different points in a process or development.

FAQs

What does "at various intervals" mean?

The phrase "at various intervals" means that something occurs repeatedly but not at consistent or predictable times; rather, it happens at different times or distances apart.

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

You can use "at various intervals" to describe actions or events that occur with irregular timing. For example: "The security cameras record data "at various intervals" throughout the day."

What are some alternatives to "at various intervals"?

Alternatives include "periodically", "intermittently", "sporadically", or "from time to time". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "at various intervals" formal or informal?

The phrase "at various intervals" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its neutrality makes it versatile for a wide range of writing styles.