at wide intervals

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at wide intervals" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe occurrences or events that happen with significant gaps of time or space between them. Example: "The stars twinkled in the night sky, appearing at wide intervals across the vast expanse."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

They stood at wide intervals along the double-yellow line, their headlamps making them look like a team of miners filing toward a coal seam.

The New York Times

His wife and family joined him at wide intervals, but he never returned to the United States.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This effectively left him with only 2,200 men – stationed at wide intervals – to hold the high ground.

The New York Times

A few pleasing pieces of the kind seen in traditional British middle-class homes appeared at wide intervals, amid a mass of indifferent furniture.

The New York Times - Arts

The water supply is kept in tanks fastened to the sides of the boat at wide intervals, to lessen the the chance of all the water being lost if the boat is strafed from the air.

The New Yorker

With the rapid advances in molecular genetic technology, it now is possible to test the entire genome rather than focus on individual genes suspected to play a role (i.e., candidate genes) or use genetic variants spaced at wide intervals throughout the genome.

Alcohol research : current reviews

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Doing software-development work in India seems like a perfect fit when start-ups are receiving smaller amounts of money at wider intervals.

The Economist

Rituximab was given at 375 mg/m weekly for ≥4 doses and then at wider intervals.

BioMed Research International

In these cases, the injections could be given at wider intervals [ 71].

BioMed Research International

While the Kayankaya novels were the basis of his initial reputation and income, they appeared at very wide intervals.

The Guardian - Books

Because its pattern is repeated at unusually wide intervals, it was a challenge to get it to fall just right, and it also required extra amounts: 14 yards all told.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at wide intervals" to clearly indicate that events or objects are separated by a significant amount of space or time, enhancing clarity and preventing misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "at wide intervals" when you mean "at regular intervals". The former implies considerable separation, while the latter suggests consistent spacing or timing. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the distribution you intend to describe.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at wide intervals" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to describe the spacing or timing of actions or objects. It indicates that occurrences are separated by significant distances or time periods. As per Ludwig AI, this phrase is indeed correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

42%

Encyclopedias

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at wide intervals" is a grammatically sound and usable adverbial phrase, as stated by Ludwig AI. It's used to describe arrangements or occurrences characterized by significant separation in space or time. While not exceedingly common, it appears in diverse contexts, including news, scientific articles, and encyclopedias, maintaining a relatively neutral register. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the intended distribution and avoid confusion with similar phrases like "at regular intervals".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

spaced far apart

Highlights the physical distance between items or events.

with large gaps

Focuses on the empty space or time between occurrences.

with extensive spacing

Emphasizes generous separation between items or events.

with considerable separation

Emphasizes the significant distance or time separating occurrences.

distributed sparsely

Focuses on the low density of occurrences.

separated by ample distance

Highlights the largeness of space separating occurrences.

at distant points

Emphasizes the spatial separation of different locations.

at infrequent moments

Shifts the emphasis to the rarity of the events.

at broad deviations

Focuses on the substantial differences or variations.

across a considerable spectrum

Highlights a comprehensive variety or range of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "at wide intervals" to describe objects or events that are separated by significant gaps in space or time. For instance, "The trees were planted "at wide intervals" to allow for maximum sunlight".

What are some alternatives to "at wide intervals"?

Alternatives include phrases like "spaced far apart", "with large gaps", or "with considerable separation", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "at wide intervals" or "at regular intervals"?

The choice depends on the context. "At wide intervals" implies irregular and large spaces or time gaps, while "at regular intervals" suggests consistent and predictable spacing or timing. Use the phrase that accurately reflects the distribution.

What's the difference between "at wide intervals" and "at wider intervals"?

"At wide intervals" refers to objects or events separated by significant gaps. "At wider intervals" implies a comparison, suggesting that the gaps are larger than some previous or standard interval. For example, "After the renovation, the tables were spaced "at wider intervals" than before".