in patches

USAGE SUMMARY

"in patches" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to describe something that is not evenly distributed or consistent, but instead has areas or sections that are different from each other. Example: "The field was covered in patches of wildflowers, creating a beautiful mosaic of color."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In patches.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Rads hot?" "In patches".

The Guardian - Books

"In patches we were very good.

Independent

The water only appears in patches.

Independent

"We've been good in patches.

The Guardian - Sport

It will linger in patches.

The Guardian - Sport

Waterside chic still sprouts in patches.

The Guardian - Travel

A varsity jacket covered in patches.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

planted in patches around Beijing.

Forest Ecology and Management

McKay said it was because memories came back in patches.

The Guardian - Sport

"I think we showed in patches that we can play.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in patches" to accurately describe situations where something is present or effective only in certain areas or at certain times, not consistently throughout.

Common error

While acceptable, "in patches" can sometimes sound informal. In formal writing, consider using more precise or sophisticated alternatives like "sporadically", "unevenly", or "intermittently" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in patches" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to describe how something occurs or exists. As Ludwig AI confirms, it signifies a non-uniform or inconsistent distribution. For instance, "The landscape was covered in patches of snow."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

13%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "in patches" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to describe something that occurs or exists unevenly or inconsistently. As Ludwig AI validates, its grammatical correctness is without dispute. The analysis of Ludwig examples show the phrase's wide applicability, being commonly found in news articles, scientific publications, and encyclopedic entries, showcasing its capacity to suit different contexts, including neutral and technical environments. While perfectly acceptable, one should make a deliberate attempt to substitute it in very formal writing, as it might be perceived as slightly colloquial.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

patchily

This alternative is a single-word adverb that directly mirrors the meaning of the original phrase.

in spots

Similar to "in patches", this refers to localized areas or points.

sporadically

This term implies something occurs at irregular intervals or only in a few places.

discontinuously

This term refers to something that does not occur in a continuous or unbroken manner.

unevenly

This suggests a lack of uniformity or consistency in distribution or quality.

intermittently

This indicates something stops and starts at intervals, rather than being continuous.

irregularly

This suggests a lack of a fixed pattern or consistent timing.

here and there

This suggests a scattered distribution with noticeable gaps.

in sections

This indicates something is divided into distinct parts or areas.

occasionally

This indicates something happens sometimes, but not regularly.

FAQs

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

You can use "in patches" to describe something that is not uniform or consistent. For example, "The grass grew "in patches" because of the poor soil quality".

What is a synonym for "in patches"?

Synonyms for "in patches" include "sporadically", "unevenly", or "intermittently". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "patchily" or "in patches"?

Both "patchily" and "in patches" are correct and have very similar meanings. "Patchily" is a single-word adverb, while "in patches" is a prepositional phrase. The choice often comes down to stylistic preference, but "patchily" may sound more formal.

What's the difference between "in patches" and "here and there"?

"In patches" typically implies distinct areas or spots where something is present, while "here and there" suggests a more scattered and random distribution. For example, weeds growing "in patches" versus weeds growing "here and there".