every four inches

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "every four inches" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a measurement or spacing that occurs at regular intervals of four inches. Example: "To ensure proper alignment, place the markers every four inches along the line."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"Every four inches there's a hole.

The Guardian - Sport

She likes to crease the ground with a straightedge, dropping seeds every four inches.

The New York Times

The process is repeated about every four inches down the mountain, and can take dozens of workers up to two days.

The New York Times - Sports

The team will travel 746 miles (1,200 km) towards the Pole, dragging a radar unit which will take measurements every four inches (10 cm) of the thickness of the ice and snow.

Independent

The solar-powered probes are placed in the fields, buried to a depth of about 60 inches (1.5 metres), with soil moisture sensors every four inches along a vertical column.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

"They're every six inches," he said.

The New York Times

"If everyone here hated us, there'd be I.E.D.s every five inches," he said.

The New Yorker

Fold border of pastry over edge of filling, pleating every two inches to make it fit.

The New York Times

In the caves, a photographic team has mounted cameras on tracks and is taking shots every two inches.

The New York Times - Arts

Contrary to what Abrahim had told him, there was nothing even remotely heavenly about where he was held: one large whitewashed room with cots every ten inches and bars over the windows.

The New Yorker

An article in The Real Estate Record and Guide noted an elegant touch: in place of the standard crisscross wire-reinforced glass, Candela specified polished plate glass with vertical wires every two inches.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing technical specifications or instructions, use "every 4 inches" for brevity. In more descriptive writing, "every four inches" is suitable.

Common error

Avoid using "every four inches" when the context requires a more precise or technical term. In engineering or construction, "four inches on center" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "every four inches" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, indicating the frequency or interval at which an action or placement occurs. This is supported by Ludwig, which shows examples in contexts describing measurements or spacing.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "every four inches" is a grammatically correct and understandable phrase used to specify regular intervals or spacing. While Ludwig provides limited examples indicating its frequency is rare, it's suitable for diverse contexts like news, media, and wiki articles. Its function is to give clear instructions or specifications, and its register is generally neutral. Related phrases include "at four-inch intervals" and "spaced four inches apart". When writing, ensure the context is appropriate for the level of precision offered by this measurement. Keep in mind, according to Ludwig, that this phrase is perfectly usable in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at four-inch intervals

Replaces "every" with "at", focusing on the intervals themselves.

every 4 inches

Uses the numeral "4" instead of "four", making it more concise.

at intervals of four inches

Emphasizes the measured distance between each point.

spaced four inches apart

Focuses on the space between objects or points.

regularly spaced at four inches

Emphasizes the regularity of the spacing.

with four-inch spacing

Highlights the spacing as a key characteristic.

four inches between each

Highlights how something is arranged at constant intervals

four inches on center

A technical term often used in construction and manufacturing.

in increments of four inches

Focuses on the idea of an increase or progression by a set amount.

every 10 centimeters

Provides the equivalent measurement in the metric system.

FAQs

How can I use "every four inches" in a sentence?

You can use "every four inches" to describe regular intervals or spacing, such as: "Place the markers every four inches along the line."

What are some alternatives to using "every four inches"?

Alternatives include "at four-inch intervals", "spaced four inches apart", or "four inches on center", depending on the context.

Is it correct to write "every 4 inches" instead of "every four inches"?

Yes, "every 4 inches" is a correct and more concise way to express the same meaning, especially in technical contexts or instructions.

In what situations is it best to use "every four inches"?

"Every four inches" is suitable for general descriptions and instructions where a specific measurement needs to be emphasized. It provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.