for long intervals

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for long intervals" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a duration of time during which something occurs or is experienced repeatedly or continuously. Example: "The machine operates efficiently, but it requires maintenance for long intervals to ensure optimal performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

But work is "being pursued in a desultory fashion or not at all for long intervals," Mr. Golden continued, adding that the sidewalk sheds were impeding pedestrians.

The New York Times

A loyal lieutenant, Grant for long intervals during the expedition was given independent command of part of the caravan.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Many complex trace fossils appear to have been occupied for long intervals and to record re-engineering or active control of proximal habitats by the trace-producing organisms.

Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology

Tightly consolidated sediments along a portion of the Cascadia Subduction Zone contribute to locking of the fault along the plate boundary for long intervals, major earthquakes, and the potential for a large tsunami.

Columbia University

The app also has different modes, so it can automatically control a device's behavior — turning Wi-Fi off for long intervals at night, for example, on the premise that you are not using the device while asleep.

The New York Times - Tech

Fluvial erosion channels on Titan as identified at the Huygens landing site and in RADAR and Visible and Infrared Mapping Spectrometer (VIMS) observations have been compared to analogous channel widths on Earth yielding average discharges of up to 1600 m3/s for short recurrence intervals that are sufficient to move centimeter-sized sediment and significantly higher discharges for long intervals.

Icarus

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

Specifically, both elderly subjects and AD patients displayed significantly higher WRs for short interval estimates (0.23 ± 0.02 ms and 0.29 ± 0.04 ms, respectively) than for long interval estimates (elderly controls: 0.13 ± 0.01 ms, p = 0.006; AD patients: 0.14 ± 0.03 ms, p = 0.0005).

Behavioral and Brain Functions

If subjects could maintain concentration for these long intervals, equal capacities for both stores might have been found.

Plosone

It was a play in which offers of wine were rescinded, forks found no replacements, and water glasses stood empty for excruciatingly long intervals.

The New York Times

They say the pay system proposed by the industry would result in career-threatening overexposure, while failing to compensate them for the long intervals between jobs.

The New York Times

What is responsible for the long intervals between SPWs?

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "for long intervals", ensure the context clearly defines what is happening during those intervals. Providing specific details enhances clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "for long intervals" when you mean continuous activity with occasional breaks. This phrase suggests that the activity itself is intermittent, not that breaks occur within a continuous process.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for long intervals" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or noun. It indicates the time frame during which something occurs, suggesting that the actions or states are separated by substantial amounts of time. Ludwig provides examples showing its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

41%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "for long intervals" is a grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to describe events or conditions that occur sporadically over a significant time. Ludwig's AI confirms its usability and provides examples from diverse sources, including science, news, and encyclopedias. The phrase is versatile but implies intermittent activity rather than continuous action. Related phrases such as "for extended durations" and "over prolonged periods" offer alternative ways to express similar meanings. When writing, ensure the context clearly specifies the activity during these intervals to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for extended durations

Emphasizes the length of time more directly.

for prolonged periods

Similar to "extended durations" but suggests a more formal tone.

over considerable spans of time

Replaces "intervals" with a more descriptive phrase.

at widely spaced intervals

Focuses on the distance between occurrences.

for significant stretches

Uses "stretches" to convey the idea of continuous time.

during protracted spells

Employs a more literary and less common wording.

for lengthy spells

Replaces "intervals" with "spells" offering a similar meaning.

for substantial timeframes

Swaps "intervals" with "timeframes" for a different nuance.

through extensive lapses

Highlights the gaps or pauses between events.

over vast epochs

Implies extremely long and often geological timescales.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "for long intervals" to sound more formal?

To achieve a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "for extended durations" or "over prolonged periods" instead of "for long intervals".

Is it correct to use "for long intervals" in scientific writing?

Yes, "for long intervals" is appropriate for scientific writing when describing events or phenomena that occur with significant time gaps, as demonstrated in various scientific publications that Ludwig provides.

What's the difference between "for long intervals" and "for short intervals"?

"For long intervals" describes events separated by considerable time, whereas "for short intervals" refers to events that occur frequently with minimal time between them. The key difference lies in the duration of the intervening time.

Can "for long intervals" be used to describe continuous activity?

No, "for long intervals" is not suitable for describing continuous activity. It implies that the activity is intermittent and separated by significant periods of inactivity. For continuous activity, phrases like "for an extended period" are more appropriate.