intermittent motion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "intermittent motion" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a type of movement that occurs at irregular intervals, often in contexts related to physics, mechanics, or even in everyday situations. Example: "The machine operates with intermittent motion, causing it to pause and start repeatedly during the manufacturing process."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Many European editors, from the 1930s on, worked with flatbed machines, which use a rotating prism rather than intermittent motion to yield an image.

Encyclopedia Britannica

However, these films could both form and breakdown rapidly during intermittent motion in vivo.

Tribology Series

The lubrication regime under test is boundary lubrication in a highly loaded sliding contact subjected to an intermittent motion.

Tribology Series

The intermittent motion behavior of large scale geometrically non-linear flexible multi-body systems due to impact loading is investigated.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

In intermittent motion systems the moving mass should be minimized, because it limits the attainable acceleration and thus the throughput speed.

Mechanism and Machine Theory

Extrapolation to a natural transition zone indicates that the acoustic source strength of the large scale intermittent motion is highest in the middle part of the transition zone.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

The earliest known clock with a water-powered escapement mechanism, which transferred rotational energy into intermittent motions, dates back to 3rd century BC ancient Greece; Chinese engineers later invented clocks incorporating mercury-powered escapement mechanisms in the 10th century, followed by Arabic engineers inventing water clocks driven by gears and weights in the 11th century.

Wikipedia

They are also used to obtain an intermittent feeding motion (workpiece movement) on machine-tool worktables; the ratchet wheel is attached to the screw that moves the table, and the arm is driven by a crank, the throw of which can be varied to change α.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Geneva mechanism, also called Geneva Stop, one of the most commonly used devices for producing intermittent rotary motion, characterized by alternate periods of motion and rest with no reversal in direction.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Ratchet, mechanical device that transmits intermittent rotary motion or permits a shaft to rotate in one direction but not in the opposite one.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Another concern for change detection algorithms is intermittent object motion.

IPSJ Transactions on Computer Vision and Applications

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing mechanical processes, use "intermittent motion" to precisely indicate that movement occurs in discrete intervals, rather than continuously. This is especially useful in technical documentation and engineering contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "interrupting motion" when you mean "intermittent motion." "Interrupting" suggests an external force is stopping the motion, whereas "intermittent" implies the motion is designed to occur in stops and starts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intermittent motion" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. According to Ludwig, it correctly describes a type of movement that occurs at irregular intervals.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

76%

Encyclopedias

9%

News & Media

6%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "intermittent motion" is a noun phrase used to describe movement that occurs in irregular or discrete intervals. As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase is grammatically correct and most commonly found in scientific and technical contexts. When writing, it's crucial to distinguish between "intermittent" and "interrupting" to accurately convey the nature of the motion. While alternatives like "sporadic movement" or "stop-start motion" exist, "intermittent motion" provides a precise and technical description suitable for formal writing. Be sure to reference the specific conditions in which the motion occurs and use it when describing controlled mechanical processes or precise biological actions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

non-continuous movement

A more formal way of saying that the movement isn't always happening or sustained.

periodic movement

Emphasizes the regularity of pauses, suggesting motion that occurs in defined intervals.

discontinuous motion

Highlights the breaks in movement, implying that the motion is not smooth or flowing.

sporadic movement

Emphasizes the irregularity and infrequency of the motion.

start-stop movement

Describes the motion in terms of its distinct phases of starting and stopping.

interrupted movement

Focuses on the motion being halted or broken at intervals.

pulsating motion

Suggests a rhythmic motion with distinct pulses or surges.

staccato movement

Like musical staccato notes, this refers to movement that is sharply detached or separated.

jerky movement

Implies sudden, uneven movement with abrupt starts and stops.

erratic motion

Describes movement that lacks a consistent pattern and is unpredictable.

FAQs

How is "intermittent motion" typically used in scientific writing?

In scientific contexts, "intermittent motion" is used to describe processes where movement occurs in discrete intervals rather than continuously. Examples include the motion of glaciers, mechanical systems with start-stop mechanisms, or biological processes with pulsating actions.

What's a simpler way to describe "intermittent motion"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "sporadic movement", "stop-start motion", or "periodic movement" as alternatives to "intermittent motion".

How does "discontinuous motion" differ from "intermittent motion"?

"Discontinuous motion" emphasizes the breaks or gaps in the movement, highlighting that it's not smooth or flowing. "Intermittent motion" specifies that the motion occurs at irregular intervals, without necessarily implying a complete break. The distinction lies in whether the focus is on the interruptions themselves or the pattern of movement.

Is "intermittent movement" a valid alternative to "intermittent motion"?

Yes, "intermittent movement" is a perfectly valid and often interchangeable alternative to "intermittent motion". Both phrases describe a pattern of moving and pausing, although "motion" often implies a more precisely defined or mechanical movement.