check from time to time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "check from time to time" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to regularly checking something, but not necessarily at any specific intervals. For example, "Be sure to check the temperature of the cake from time to time while it is baking."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Check from time to time to make sure the beans are submerged and add water if necessary.

The New York Times - Health

Check from time to time to make sure the beans are submerged; add water as necessary or just press down on the beans to cover them with liquid.

The New York Times - Health

Check from time to time – if the veg look dry, sprinkle with a little wine or water; if it's browning too quickly, cover the lot with foil.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The main thing is to prevent the authorities developing the feeling that they are untouchable, that they can do whatever they want as long as they check, from time to time, that people aren't dying of hunger".

The Guardian

These small flourishes turn the Twitter Web page into something I'll check from time to time, as opposed to never with the vanilla site.

TechCrunch

I will try to announce it in class if an updated version has been posted, but it is still sensible to come back and check from time to time.

Duke University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

No anti-malware software catches everything, so it's important to run a quick double-check from time to time.

The Guardian - Tech

Cover partially with a lid and leave for a couple of hours, checking from time to time that it isn't bubbling too fiercely or hasn't stopped altogether.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Even though it's quite noticeable if your alignment isn't fixed properly, it is still better to have it checked from time to time.

Huffington Post

I have done my own fact-checking from time to time when an author's statement seemed questionable, and the best copyeditors will frequently check sources as well as spelling and punctuation.

Huffington Post

A data-management expert performed quality-control checks from time to time to ensure accuracy of the recorded data.

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "check from time to time" when you want to convey the idea of regular but not necessarily scheduled verification. It's suitable when the frequency isn't critical, but the action of checking is important.

Common error

While "check from time to time" is widely understood, it can sound too casual in highly formal or academic writing. In those situations, consider more precise alternatives like "monitor regularly" or "verify periodically."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "check from time to time" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate the frequency with which an action should be performed. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is usable in written English. Ludwig's examples show diverse applications, from ensuring beans are submerged while cooking to monitoring for disease activity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Academia

22%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Science

13%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "check from time to time" serves as a directive to perform an action periodically without specifying strict intervals. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and widely used. Predominantly found in News & Media and Academic contexts, it encourages vigilance and monitoring as exemplified by Ludwig's examples. While acceptable in many situations, remember that more formal alternatives may be appropriate in certain professional or academic writing. Use this term when the frequency of the check is less important than the act of checking itself.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

periodically verify

Replaces "check" with "verify" and "from time to time" with "periodically", emphasizing the act of confirming something's accuracy at intervals.

regularly monitor

Substitutes "check" with "monitor" and "from time to time" with "regularly", suggesting a more continuous and attentive observation.

verify at intervals

More formal than "check from time to time", focusing on confirming accuracy at specified times.

inspect occasionally

Replaces "check" with "inspect" and "from time to time" with "occasionally", implying a more thorough examination at irregular intervals.

review periodically

Substitutes "check" with "review" and "from time to time" with "periodically", indicating a formal assessment at set intervals.

evaluate every so often

Replaces "check" with "evaluate" and "from time to time" with "every so often", suggesting a judgment or assessment at somewhat unpredictable intervals.

look in on periodically

Similar to "check in on", but replacing "from time to time" with "periodically" for a slightly different emphasis on regularity.

keep tabs on now and then

Replaces "check" and "from time to time" with a more informal and idiomatic expression.

scrutinize every now and then

Implies a more detailed and critical examination than "check from time to time", performed occasionally.

touch base intermittently

Uses business jargon to replace "check from time to time", emphasizing brief communication or monitoring at irregular intervals.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "check from time to time" to sound more formal?

For more formal alternatives to "check from time to time", consider phrases like "periodically verify", "regularly monitor", or "inspect occasionally depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "check from time to time" appropriate for business communication?

While acceptable, "check from time to time" can be perceived as casual in business contexts. Alternatives like "touch base intermittently" or "verify at intervals" may be more suitable, depending on the specific situation.

What's a more casual way to say "check from time to time"?

For a more casual phrasing, you could use "keep tabs on now and then" or simply "check in on it occasionally".

When should I use "check from time to time" instead of "check regularly"?

"Check from time to time" implies that the checks don't need to happen at consistent intervals, whereas "check regularly" suggests a scheduled routine. Use "check from time to time" when the exact frequency isn't important.