in bursts

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in bursts" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that occurs intermittently or in short, sudden episodes. Example: "The rain fell in bursts throughout the afternoon, making it difficult to plan outdoor activities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

The rain continues in bursts.

The New York Times - Arts

You can do it in bursts.

Independent

These photons are emitted in bursts.

The Economist

Airlines are introducing sales in bursts.

The New York Times

He moves from project to project, working in bursts.

The Guardian

Mitchell Starc was also only brilliant in bursts.

The Guardian - Sport

"The fact is that mammalian brains grow synapses in bursts!

The Guardian

Progress on civil rights can occur in bursts.

The New York Times

The fourth spoke in bursts of righteous anger.

The New York Times - Sports

Claude etched in bursts and produced a number in groups.

Independent

That spirit seemed to come in bursts, usually after economic hard times.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in bursts" to describe actions or phenomena that occur suddenly and for short periods, followed by intervals of inactivity. This can add vividness to your writing, especially when describing dynamic processes or events.

Common error

Avoid using "in bursts" to describe actions that are continuous or sustained. This phrase is best suited for intermittent activities, not ongoing processes. For example, instead of saying "The machine ran in bursts for hours", consider "The machine ran continuously for hours" or "The machine ran in bursts throughout the day."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in bursts" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to describe the manner in which an action occurs. Ludwig shows it is used to indicate that an activity happens intermittently or in short, intense episodes, rather than continuously.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academic sources

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in bursts" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe actions or events that occur intermittently or in short, sudden episodes. Ludwig highlights its frequent use in News & Media and Science contexts. When writing, ensure that the phrase accurately reflects the discontinuous nature of the activity you are describing. Alternatives like "intermittently" or "sporadically" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Avoid using the phrase to describe continuous or sustained actions. Overall, understanding and appropriately using "in bursts" can enhance the clarity and vividness of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in spurts

This alternative is very close in meaning, highlighting short, energetic releases.

intermittently

This alternative focuses on the sporadic nature of the action.

sporadically

This alternative emphasizes the irregularity and infrequency of the action.

on and off

This alternative suggests a state of being sometimes active and sometimes not.

in fits and starts

This alternative suggests an irregular pattern with periods of activity and inactivity.

in waves

This alternative emphasizes a rhythmic or cyclical pattern of occurrence.

periodically

This alternative implies a recurrence at regular or irregular intervals.

at intervals

This alternative emphasizes the spaces or gaps between occurrences.

in stages

This alternative refers to different steps or periods of development.

by jerks

This alternative describes sudden, abrupt movements or actions.

FAQs

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

You can use "in bursts" to describe something that happens intermittently or in short, sudden episodes. For instance, "The music played "in bursts" throughout the night", or "The children ran "in bursts" of energy after the long car ride".

What are some alternatives to "in bursts"?

Some alternatives include "intermittently", "sporadically", or "in spurts". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "The rain came in bursts"?

Yes, "The rain came "in bursts"" is a grammatically correct and common way to describe intermittent rainfall.

What's the difference between "in bursts" and "constantly"?

"In bursts" describes something that happens intermittently, with pauses in between. "Constantly" describes something that happens continuously without stopping. For example, "The light flickered "in bursts"", versus "The fan ran constantly".