checking from time to time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "checking from time to time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the action of periodically reviewing or monitoring something. Example: "I will be checking from time to time to ensure that the project is on track."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 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

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

One possible approach would be to check from time to time whether the disease is still active or has become active again after initial improvement due to infliximab therapy.

Arthritis Research and Therapy

Temperature is monitored by a thermocouple sited within a few millimeters of the sample and checked from time to time against the α β transition temperature of quartz, giving an experimental uncertainty of ±∼1 K. Spectra were collected in heating and cooling sequences between 295 and ∼810 K, with ∼20 K steps during heating and ∼10 K steps during cooling.

Chemistry of Materials

Remember to check, from time-to-time, the messages being posted to the group and the event to answer any questions that people have.

Columbia University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "checking from time to time" to describe routine but not constant monitoring, such as verifying settings or processes that don't require continuous attention. For example: "Check the website analytics from time to time to understand user engagement."

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "checking from time to time" in overly passive constructions. Instead of saying "The system is checked from time to time", use the active voice: "Administrators check the system from time to time" to improve clarity and directness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "checking from time to time" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate the frequency or regularity of an action. As noted by Ludwig AI, it suggests a periodic review or monitoring of something, as seen in examples like, "Check pins from time to time for adherence quality" or "I'll be checking in from time to time."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Academia

17%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Science

12%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "checking from time to time" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to describe the act of intermittently monitoring or reviewing something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable across various writing styles and contexts. Its neutral register and the common usage in sources like The New York Times, The Guardian, and academic publications highlights its appropriateness for conveying periodic attention without implying constant surveillance. When using this phrase, consider alternatives like "periodically inspect" or "occasionally monitor" for different shades of meaning, and avoid overuse of passive voice to maintain clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

occasionally monitor

Highlights irregular intervals and a focus on overseeing progress.

periodically inspect

Focuses more on a formal or systematic review at regular intervals.

evaluate from time to time

Stresses assessment or judgement periodically done.

regularly review

Suggests a structured and consistent evaluation process.

inspect at intervals

Emphasizes a formal and scheduled examination process.

verify occasionally

Implies confirming the accuracy or truthfulness at irregular intervals.

look in on every so often

Conveys a casual and infrequent check, often related to well-being.

observe intermittently

Highlights irregular and non-continuous observation.

keep an eye on now and then

Offers a more informal and less intensive approach to observation.

scrutinize now and again

Emphasizes a thorough and critical examination done occasionally.

FAQs

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

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "periodically inspect", "regularly review", or "evaluate at intervals". These alternatives convey a more structured and systematic approach.

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

For a more casual tone, you could say "keep an eye on", "look in on", or "check in on". These options are less formal and imply a less rigorous approach.

Is it redundant to say "checking in from time to time"?

While "checking" and "checking in" can be similar, "checking in from time to time" often implies a brief and personal check, like contacting someone or briefly visiting a place. "Checking from time to time" is broader and can apply to processes or systems as well as people.

When should I use "checking from time to time" versus "monitoring continuously"?

"Checking from time to time" is appropriate when you need to review something periodically but not constantly. Use "monitoring continuously" when constant surveillance or tracking is required, indicating a much higher level of attention and frequency.