inspected from time to time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "inspected from time to time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is checked or examined periodically rather than continuously. Example: "The equipment will be inspected from time to time to ensure it is functioning properly."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

The apprentice registered a contract with the appropriate chamber and kept a workbook that was inspected from time to time.

Britannica

The stands need to be inspected from time to time.

Forest Ecosystems

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

It is very important to inspect boiler header from time to time to check for signs of possible failures because they are thick walled and exposed to various operating conditions.

Procedia Engineering

Tin wire that is used for electric fence wire that is not coated, also can be used, but make sure that you inspect the connections from time to time to remove any corrosion, and re-solder them if necessary.

WikiHow

Visit them from time to time.

WikiHow

Inspect your wedding dress from time to time to check for any new stain or discolored areas and to allow your dress to "breathe.

WikiHow

His BlackBerry raised to one ear, he murmured directives in French, glancing up from time to time to inspect the clothes, which, to his consternation, had arrived just the weekend before.

The New York Times

From time to time in subsequent years, Davis inspected the stones only to find them in increasingly poor condition.

Wikipedia

From time to time.

The New York Times

From time to time, liberals grasp this.

The Economist

"Charmers from time to time get lost".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing maintenance schedules or quality control processes, use "inspected from time to time" to clearly communicate that checks are performed periodically, not continuously. This clarifies expectations and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid constructions like "it is inspected from time to time" when you can use a more direct and active voice. For example, prefer "inspectors check the equipment from time to time" over "the equipment is inspected from time to time".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "inspected from time to time" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to indicate the frequency of an action. As Ludwig AI explains, it denotes periodic checks or examinations rather than continuous monitoring.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Wiki

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "inspected from time to time" is a grammatically sound and usable expression indicating that something undergoes periodic checks or examinations. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and applicability across various contexts. While not extremely frequent, its usage is clear and consistently understood. Alternatives like "periodically checked" or "occasionally examined" can be used depending on the desired tone and context. When using this phrase, ensure that it accurately reflects the intended frequency of inspection and that the sentence structure is active and direct for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

periodically checked

Replaces "inspected from time to time" with a more concise and direct expression of regular but not constant checking.

occasionally examined

Substitutes "inspected" with "examined" and "from time to time" with "occasionally", both synonyms suggesting infrequent review.

routinely assessed

Replaces "inspected" with "assessed" and "from time to time" with "routinely", implying a regular, scheduled evaluation.

regularly reviewed

Swaps "inspected" for "reviewed" and "from time to time" for "regularly", indicating systematic oversight at intervals.

checked at intervals

Replaces "inspected" with "checked" and uses "at intervals" to express the idea of inspections happening periodically.

monitored periodically

Replaces "inspected" with "monitored" and "from time to time" with "periodically" for a slightly more technical tone.

visited now and then

Uses "visited" to suggest inspection and "now and then" instead of "from time to time" for a less formal tone.

evaluated intermittently

Replaces "inspected" with "evaluated" and "from time to time" with "intermittently", highlighting the sporadic nature of the evaluations.

looked at periodically

Offers a simpler alternative, replacing "inspected" with "looked at" while retaining the sense of periodic review.

spot-checked occasionally

Combines "spot-checked" to imply random inspections with "occasionally" to show the infrequent nature of the checks.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "inspected from time to time"?

You can use alternatives such as "periodically checked", "occasionally examined", or "regularly reviewed" depending on the context.

What does "inspected from time to time" mean?

It means that something is checked or examined at intervals, but not constantly or continuously. The frequency is not precisely defined but implies a periodic review.

Is "inspected from time to time" formal or informal?

The phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal or technical writing, you might prefer a more precise term like "periodically assessed".

How do I use "inspected from time to time" in a sentence?

Here's an example: "The boiler header must be "inspected from time to time" to ensure there are no signs of failure."