happens periodically

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "happens periodically" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe events or actions that occur at regular intervals or repeatedly over time. Example: "The maintenance checks on the equipment happens periodically to ensure everything is functioning properly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

This happens periodically.

The New York Times

"It's great when poetry gets some attention – which happens periodically," Shapcott says.

The Guardian

Shortly afterward, she received a call that there had been a lockdown at the school — something that happens periodically, she said, because there is a prison nearby.

The New York Times

All three robots are to arrive more or less simultaneously because the orbits of Mars and Earth, as happens periodically, are coming into unusually close alignment.

The New York Times - Science

But as happens periodically, Columbia is being forced to respond to the voices of dissent from some area residents, this time as the administration readies plans to open a private school that will set aside half its seats for the children of the faculty.

The New York Times

Falsely separating the two — and then insisting on the elevation of one over the other — happens periodically, and often has the useful side effect of revitalizing the art practice of the time, repressing what has become overly familiar or championing the new or the previously ignored.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

In a region where massacres of Hindus happen periodically, this attack was highly unusual.

The New York Times

She said that "if someone gets sick and nobody helps them, they can die — unfortunately there have been such cases and they happen periodically".

The New York Times

And it wasn't the first time; this has been happening periodically for around 15 years, and has often made romantic relationships, friendships and professional progress very difficult.

The Guardian - Books

Crystal Williams, a lawyer with the American Immigration Lawyers Association in Washington, agreed that the situation involving the quarry workers was unusual but happened periodically.

The New York Times

Coincidence or not, Minaya has not been interviewed during an SNY game broadcast — something that used to happen periodically — since the Bernazard news conference.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing natural phenomena or cyclical processes, "happens periodically" clearly indicates that the event occurs at generally regular intervals. For example, "Eclipses happens periodically, offering a spectacle for astronomers."

Common error

While "happens periodically" is grammatically sound, overuse can make writing sound repetitive or informal. In professional or academic writing, opt for more precise or sophisticated alternatives like "recurs at intervals" or "occurs intermittently" to maintain a polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "happens periodically" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb. It indicates the frequency or regularity of an action or event. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

25%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "happens periodically" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe events that recur at intervals. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its usability in English writing. While appropriate for general contexts, it may benefit from more formal alternatives in academic or professional settings, as using similar words excessively in your writing can bore your reader. Ludwig shows that it's frequently found in News & Media and Science sources. Remember, context and audience are key when choosing the best phrase for your needs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

occurs intermittently

Replaces "happens" with "occurs" and "periodically" with "intermittently", offering a slightly more formal tone.

recurs from time to time

Uses "recurs" instead of "happens" and "from time to time" to express periodicity, softening the original statement.

takes place at intervals

Substitutes "happens" with "takes place" and "periodically" with "at intervals", providing a more structured feel.

is a recurring event

Frames the occurrence as "a recurring event", focusing on the event's nature rather than its specific timing.

repeats itself regularly

Emphasizes the repetition with "repeats itself" and uses "regularly" for a sense of consistency.

is a frequent occurrence

Highlights the commonness of the event with "frequent occurrence", diverging slightly from the pure periodicity aspect.

arises at certain periods

Uses "arises" to denote emergence and "at certain periods" to specify the timing, adding a layer of specificity.

shows up now and then

An informal way of saying something happens from time to time.

crops up every so often

Employing "crops up" for unexpected appearances and "every so often" for a less precise timeline.

resurfaces sporadically

Suggests the event disappears and reappears without consistent timing using "resurfaces sporadically".

FAQs

What does "happens periodically" mean?

The phrase "happens periodically" means that something occurs or takes place at generally regular intervals or reoccurs over time. It suggests a recurring pattern, although not necessarily with strict precision.

How can I use "happens periodically" in a sentence?

You can use "happens periodically" to describe events or actions that occur at intervals. For instance, "The maintenance check "occurs periodically" to ensure everything is functioning properly."

What can I say instead of "happens periodically"?

You can use alternatives like "occurs intermittently", "recurs from time to time", or "takes place at intervals" depending on the desired level of formality and context.

Is "happens periodically" formal or informal?

"Happens periodically" is generally considered neutral in tone. While grammatically correct, it may be perceived as slightly less formal than alternatives like "occurs at intervals" or "recurs regularly", which might be preferred in academic or professional writing.