in batches

USAGE SUMMARY

"in batches" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a large group of things or people that have been divided into smaller, more manageable sub-groups. For example, "We finished planting the seeds in batches of 50".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Concentrate in batches.

Cornell University

Cook in batches.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Add chicken in batches.

The New York Times - Magazine

Cook the fritters in batches.

Independent

Add the aubergines in batches.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Repeat in batches until done.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Fry remaining knishes in batches.

The New York Times - Food

(Work in batches if necessary).

The New York Times - Food

Sometimes they come in batches".

The Guardian - Sport

Do this in batches if necessary.

The New York Times - Health

The refugees come in batches.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in batches", ensure the context clearly indicates why the division into batches is necessary or beneficial, such as for efficiency, manageability, or equipment limitations.

Common error

Avoid using "in batches" when the process naturally occurs all at once. Overusing it can make the writing sound awkward or unnecessarily complex. Always ensure there's a logical reason for the division.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in batches" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe how an action is performed. Ludwig examples confirm this, showing it describes how cooking, processing, or even releasing information occurs.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

23%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in batches" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to describe performing an action in separate groups or portions. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, especially in news, media, and instructional content. When writing, remember that using "in batches" is most appropriate when there is a logical reason for dividing an action into smaller groups. Common situations include managing resources, optimizing efficiency, or avoiding overcrowding. By understanding these nuances, you can confidently use "in batches" to clearly communicate your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in separate groups

Highlights the separation between the groups.

portion by portion

Focuses on dividing something into portions to facilitate the execution.

in stages

Focuses on the phased progression of the activity.

incrementally

Emphasizes gradual progression.

in rounds

Suggests repetitive cycles of activity.

in shifts

Suggests work divided among different groups over time.

piecemeal

Implies a slow, fragmented process.

step by step

Highlights a methodical, ordered approach.

little by little

Emphasizes a slow and gradual process.

bit by bit

Focuses on a gradual and incremental accumulation or process.

FAQs

How can I use "in batches" in a sentence?

The phrase "in batches" is used to describe doing something in separate groups or sets. For example, "The cookies were baked "in batches" to ensure they baked evenly".

What's the difference between "in batches" and "all at once"?

"In batches" means to do something in separate groups or sets, usually due to limitations or for better management, while "all at once" means to do everything together simultaneously.

What can I say instead of "in batches"?

You can use alternatives like "in stages", "incrementally", or "in separate groups", depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to specify the size of the batches when using "in batches"?

No, it's not always necessary. The context often implies the size or reason for the division. However, specifying the size can be helpful for clarity when it's relevant to the process or outcome.