bursty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bursty" is correct and usable in written English, particularly in technical contexts.
It is typically used to describe a pattern of data transmission or processing that occurs in bursts rather than a steady flow. Example: "The network performance was characterized by bursty traffic, leading to occasional delays during peak usage times."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

"It's a very bursty job," he added.

The New York Times

At 5 feet 11 and 210 pounds, Martin calls his own running ability "bursty".

The New York Times - Sports

Professor Kleinberg's algorithm tracks words that occur with high intensity over a limited period of time -- those that are "bursty," not necessarily those that are most common.

The New York Times - Tech

Burstyn's depiction of the travails of a single mother in that film won her the Academy Award for best actress in 1975.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Burstyn's Oscar for best actress helped convince the Hollywood establishment that Scorsese could discipline his maverick talent.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Burstyn's notable TV credits included a recurring role (2007 11) in the HBO television series Big Love, and she won Emmy Awards for her guest appearance (2008) on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and for her supporting role (2012) in the miniseries Political Animals.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Adams did not know all her guests, since the party had been conceived in Burstyn's public-relations office rather than in the generous heart of New York's saltiest gossip columnist, but she struck a note of instant intimacy.

The New Yorker

"I think I'll use the 8s," Ms. Burstyn's character says as she selects the tool she will employ to impose an unwanted medical intrusion on poor Susan.

The New York Times - Arts

Ms. Burstyn's character, Doris, is the bitter, fluttery, casually racist matriarch of a divided clan that nervously assembles at her estate in Annapolis, Md., for the nuptials of her grandson Dylan Michael Nardellii) and his fiancée, Heather Laura Cooverr).

The New York Times

Equally, Burstyn's tour de force opens up the story beyond the confines (remarkable though they are) of the film's parallel storyline, in which Jared Leto (as Sara's dope-fiend son Harry), Marlon Wayans and Jennifer Connelly sacrifice everything for the "pound of pure" that will, in theory, put them on Easy Street.

The Guardian

This week, we get a brief but vital reminder of Burstyn's underused screen skills in Todd Solondz's ensemble comedy Wiener-Dog.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing network traffic or data flow, use "bursty" to indicate short, intense periods of activity followed by periods of inactivity. This provides a more accurate description than simply stating that traffic is 'high' or 'low'.

Common error

Avoid using "bursty" to describe activity that is simply frequent or intense over a long period. "Bursty" implies short, intermittent spikes, not sustained high levels.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "bursty" primarily functions to describe patterns characterized by sudden, short-lived increases in activity or intensity. Ludwig AI examples illustrate its use in describing data traffic and running ability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Encyclopedias

33%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "bursty" is an adjective used to describe something occurring in abrupt bursts, especially information. As noted by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and frequently used in technical contexts, especially related to networks. While "bursty" isn't extremely common, it serves a valuable purpose in accurately describing intermittent activities or data patterns. Alternatives include "intermittent" or "sporadic", depending on the specific context. When using "bursty", ensure the context genuinely involves short, intense bursts rather than simply high frequency or sustained intensity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intermittent

Describes activity that starts and stops at intervals.

sporadic

Suggests irregular occurrences, lacking a pattern.

irregular

Emphasizes the lack of a consistent pattern.

on and off

Indicates activity that alternates between being active and inactive.

unsteady

Implies a lack of stability or consistency.

choppy

Used to describe data flow that is uneven or abrupt.

fitful

Characterizes activity marked by brief periods of activity.

pulsating

Describes rhythmic bursts of activity.

spasmodic

Suggests sudden and intense bursts.

ebbs and flows

Describes activity that alternately decreases and increases.

FAQs

How can I use "bursty" in a sentence about data transmission?

You might say, "The network experienced "bursty" traffic patterns, with occasional spikes in bandwidth usage".

What's a good alternative to "bursty" when describing intermittent activity?

Alternatives include "sporadic", "intermittent", or "irregular" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "bursty" only used in technical contexts?

While "bursty" is commonly used in technical fields like networking, it can also describe any activity characterized by sudden, short-lived increases or bursts, like ""bursty" enthusiasm".

What is the difference between "bursty" and "constant" traffic?

"Bursty" traffic refers to data transmission that occurs in short, intense bursts followed by periods of inactivity, while "constant" traffic refers to a steady and continuous flow of data.