by turns

USAGE SUMMARY

"by turns" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
When used this phrase typically implies that two or more people are taking turns doing something. For example, "The students took turns reading the story out loud, by turns."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is by turns heartbreaking and heartwarming.

The Economist

I was by turns infatuated and disappointed.

The New Yorker

By turns, these investigators, Capt.

The New York Times

It thrilled and depressed me by turns.

The Guardian

Turangalîla sashays and seduces, by turns.

The Guardian - Music

She is by turns bleached and burgeoning.

The Guardian

Max was by turns wired and glum.

The New York Times - Magazine

Thomson proved a difficult guide, by turns informative and charming, by turns oblique and somewhat unnerving.

The Guardian - Travel

Gilbert's prose is by turns flinty, funny, and incandescent.

The New Yorker

She is by turns bawdy, lyrical, and cinematic.

The New Yorker

He was, by turns, spirit guide and physics teacher.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by turns" to vividly describe alternating states, feelings, or actions within a narrative to add depth and nuance. It is particularly effective when highlighting contrasting characteristics or behaviors.

Common error

Avoid using "by turns" to describe simultaneous events. This phrase specifically indicates a sequential or alternating occurrence, not something happening at the same moment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by turns" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or adjectives to indicate that actions or qualities occur in succession or alternation. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in describing contrasting emotions, behaviors, and states.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "by turns" functions as an adverbial phrase that signifies actions or qualities occurring sequentially or alternately. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used. Predominantly found in "News & Media", "by turns" enhances descriptions by highlighting contrasts or a changing pattern. For alternatives, consider phrases like "alternately" or "one after the other". When using "by turns", remember to convey alternation, not simultaneity. By understanding its nuance and context, you can effectively incorporate "by turns" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

one after the other

This alternative clearly shows the meaning of "happening sequentially".

alternatingly

Similar to 'alternately' but emphasizes the repeated switching between states or actions.

alternately

This single word captures the essence of sequential occurrence, simplifying the original phrase.

in sequence

Emphasizes the ordered progression of events or states.

in succession

Focuses on the sequential nature of events, emphasizing the order in which they happen.

taking turns

Highlights the collaborative or shared aspect of the sequence.

in rotation

Suggests a cyclical sequence, where elements repeat in a specific order.

at intervals

Highlights the periodic nature of the occurrences, emphasizing the breaks between them.

at different moments

Focuses on the temporal separation of the events, without necessarily implying a strict order.

periodically

Implies a recurrence at regular or irregular time intervals.

FAQs

How can I use "by turns" in a sentence?

Use "by turns" to describe something that alternates between different states or qualities, as in, "The play was "by turns" hilarious and heartbreaking."

What does "by turns" mean?

"By turns" means that something happens one after the other, or alternately. It can describe emotions, actions, or states that change sequentially.

Which is more appropriate, "by turns" or "alternatively"?

Both "by turns" and "alternatively" can indicate sequential actions, but "by turns" often emphasizes contrasting states or qualities, while "alternately" is a more general term for something that happens in an alternating pattern.

Can "by turns" be used to describe people's behavior?

Yes, "by turns" is often used to describe how people behave or feel in alternating ways. For example, "He was "by turns" friendly and hostile."