intermittently throughout

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "intermittently throughout" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that occurs at irregular intervals over a period of time or across a specific area. Example: "The rain fell intermittently throughout the day, making it difficult to plan outdoor activities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The boos continued intermittently throughout the game.

The New York Times - Sports

Intermittently throughout the 20th century, North Dakota towns had teams in the Northern League.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mr. Keigwin and Damian Woetzel, the artistic director of Vail, will chat intermittently throughout the program.

The New York Times - Arts

I am a survivor of severe sexual abuse that went on intermittently throughout my childhood.

The New York Times

The campaign was a large and costly undertaking, conducted intermittently throughout the 15th century.

Encyclopedia Britannica

What one seeks and encounters intermittently throughout this exhibition is a modicum of integrity, freshness, purpose and economy.

The New York Times

In 2014 their very survival was in doubt, as it has been intermittently throughout the club's history.

The Guardian - Sport

"Have been going through some very hectic days," he wrote in the journal he kept intermittently throughout his Presidency.

The New Yorker

The failures on Monday began around 7 45 a.m. and continued intermittently throughout the day, the Fire Department said.

The New York Times

Flight songs are performed frequently during courtship and territorial adjustment, intermittently throughout incubation, and less regularly later.

Encyclopedia Britannica

These you-and-your-book passages, which occur intermittently throughout the novel, aren't particularly funny, compared with other parts.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "intermittently throughout" to clearly indicate that an action or event occurs at irregular intervals during a specified time or within a particular context. This helps avoid ambiguity and provides a more accurate depiction of the event's frequency.

Common error

Avoid using "intermittently throughout" with actions that are inherently continuous or ongoing. For example, instead of saying "The engine was running intermittently throughout the trip", consider rephrasing to describe specific instances of engine trouble or changes in performance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intermittently throughout" functions as an adverbial modifier, specifying the manner and extent to which an action or state occurs. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable expression. It modifies verbs or clauses to indicate that something happens at irregular intervals during a particular period or within a specific context. Many examples confirm this functionality.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

12%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "intermittently throughout" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adverbial modifier, indicating that an action or event occurs at irregular intervals within a specified timeframe. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it serves to provide detail about the timing of events, clarifying that they are not continuous but punctuated by pauses. It is most commonly found in news and media, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts, suitable for neutral to formal registers. To ensure clarity, it should be used accurately and avoided with inherently continuous actions. Alternatives include "sporadically throughout" and "periodically throughout".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sporadically throughout

Replaces "intermittently" with "sporadically", emphasizing the irregular and scattered nature of the occurrences.

periodically throughout

Substitutes "intermittently" with "periodically", suggesting a more regular, though not constant, pattern of occurrence.

at intervals throughout

Rephrases the adverb as a prepositional phrase, focusing on the spaced nature of the occurrences.

occasionally during

Uses "occasionally" and "during" to convey the idea of something happening sometimes within a specified period.

from time to time during

Emphasizes the irregular and infrequent nature of the occurrences within a timeframe.

on and off throughout

Suggests a fluctuating pattern with starts and stops during the specified duration.

irregularly throughout

Highlights the lack of a consistent pattern in the occurrences.

now and then during

Conveys that the events happen infrequently and without a predictable schedule.

at various times during

Focuses on the scattered moments when the event occurs within a given period.

with interruptions throughout

Emphasizes the presence of breaks or pauses within the continuous timeframe.

FAQs

How can I use "intermittently throughout" in a sentence?

Use "intermittently throughout" to describe actions or events that happen at irregular intervals within a specific timeframe. For example: "The signal dropped "intermittently throughout" the broadcast."

What are some alternatives to "intermittently throughout"?

Alternatives include "sporadically throughout", "periodically throughout", or "occasionally during depending on the context".

Is it better to say "intermittently during" or "intermittently throughout"?

"Intermittently throughout" implies a longer or more sustained period, while "intermittently during" can refer to a shorter, more specific timeframe. The best choice depends on the duration you're describing.

What's the difference between "intermittently" and "periodically"?

"Intermittently" suggests irregular and unpredictable intervals, while "periodically" implies more regular or recurring intervals. Therefore, something that happens "periodically throughout" a period is more predictable than something happening "intermittently throughout" the same period.