intermit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "intermit" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of temporarily stopping or discontinuing something. Example: "The rain began to intermit, allowing us to continue our picnic without getting soaked."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Every term more students "intermit" – the Cambridge term for taking some time out.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

I think one of the reasons I intermitted was because I still really wanted to do well and get a high 2 1 or a first," she says.

The Guardian

Traditions also varied in strength according to whether one or more "companions" could be adduced, whether the isnād had parallels, and whether they were continuous back to Muhammad (muttaṣil) or intermitted (mawqūf).

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Also, wind is more inefficient because it's intermitted," he added, pointing to the way that air currents constantly shift direction and speed.

The New York Times

But then another idea began to appeal, that of creating a North Sea offshore electricity grid to enable the growing number of windfarms around Northern Europe to tap into abundant Norwegian and Swedish hydropower resources, providing back-up capacity for otherwise intermitted renewable energy production.

The Guardian

She intermitted in February this year, no longer able to cope with the prospect of a low grade.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "intermit" to specifically denote a temporary pause or interruption, particularly when referring to recurring or periodic breaks in a process or activity. It's useful in formal writing or when a more precise term than "pause" is needed.

Common error

Avoid using "intermit" interchangeably with words like "interrupt" if the cessation is not temporary or recurrent. "Interrupt" implies a disturbance or a complete stop, while "intermit" suggests a pause with the expectation of resumption.

Linguistic Context

The verb "intermit" functions primarily to describe a temporary cessation or interruption of something. This is supported by Ludwig's analysis, which indicates that the word is grammatically correct and refers to a temporary break. For example, "wind is more inefficient because it's intermitted".

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "intermit" is a grammatically sound verb used to describe a temporary or periodic cessation. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is correct and usable in written English, denoting a pause with an anticipated resumption. While not as common as simpler alternatives like "pause" or "suspend", "intermit" is particularly useful in formal or technical contexts where precision is valued. Its usage appears most frequently in news media and encyclopedic content, suggesting a formal register. When writing, remember that using "intermit" is best reserved for situations where the temporary nature of the cessation is important to emphasize.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pause temporarily

Emphasizes the temporary nature of the break.

suspend temporarily

Highlights the temporary suspension of an activity or process.

cease periodically

Focuses on the recurring nature of the interruption.

break off

Indicates a sudden or abrupt interruption.

discontinue briefly

Stresses the brevity of the cessation.

halt temporarily

Emphasizes a temporary stop to progress or action.

take a break from

Suggests a deliberate pause for rest or recovery.

come to a standstill

Implies a complete but temporary cessation of movement or activity.

be interrupted

Focuses on the external interruption of an ongoing process.

be suspended

Focuses on the suspension from an authority.

FAQs

How can I use "intermit" in a sentence?

"Intermit" is used to describe something that stops or ceases temporarily. For example, "The rain began to "intermit", allowing us to continue our walk".

What's the difference between "intermit" and "interrupt"?

"Interrupt" implies a disturbance or a complete stop, while "intermit" suggests a pause with the expectation of resumption. You "interrupt" someone speaking, but the rain may "intermit".

Are there any synonyms for "intermit"?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "pause temporarily", "suspend temporarily", or "cease periodically" depending on the context.

Is "intermit" commonly used in modern English?

While grammatically correct, "intermit" is not as common as alternatives like "pause" or "break". Its usage tends to be more formal or technical.