interval

USAGE SUMMARY

'interval' is a perfectly valid word in written English.
You can use it to refer to any period of time within a larger span of time. For example: "We will meet every two hours for the next week, making for a total of six intervals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Travel

Culture

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The game was twice suspended, briefly in the first half after a large inflatable banana was thrown on to the pitch and for around 15 minutes after the interval because of objects hurled from the stands.

The Guardian - Sport

After a short interval, another pair appeared, and constructed a habitation, chiefly with materials purloined from the other nests.

The Guardian

Paul Hartley's enterprising side were a match for their hosts in the first half but fell behind a minute before the interval when Stokes headed in a Kris Commons free-kick.

The Guardian - Sport

That lack of attacking presence, even with Dimitar Berbatov thrust on at the interval, eventually caught up with them.

The Guardian - Sport

The ONS' Wealth and Assets survey is a longitudinal survey, meaning that respondents are interviewed more than once, with around a two year interval in the case of this study.

The Guardian

Word got round during the interval that it was down to the exquisite torture of penalties, and when the announcement was broadcast to "return to your seats as this evening's performance is about to continue" there was a groan of dismay.

The Guardian

But 20 years ago, you couldn't move for thrillers in provincial theatres: always set in country houses or smart London flats, always starring an actor off the TV in neckerchief and fawn slacks (Gerald Harper or Jack Hedley or Bill Simpson), always featuring a drinks trolley, an attractive fiance, a best friend and a stalwart detective who appears after the interval to investigate the crime.

The Guardian

If some of that scolding occurred at the interval, there was no reaction to it.

The Guardian - Sport

The Stoke fans were shouting the Olés after 32 minutes and it would get even better for them before the interval.

The Guardian - Sport

He told me that when it opened, he overheard two London impresarios comparing notes during the first interval.

The Guardian

Just before the interval, Irish won a lineout and a driving maul took them into the Northampton 22. Ian Humphreys and Ojo gave O'Connor the chance the draw his man and slip a perfect pass to the wing Sailosi Tagicakibau, who plunged down for a try in the corner.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "interval", be specific about the units of time or distance you are referring to (e.g., "a two-year interval", "an interval of 5 meters").

Common error

Avoid using "interval" when you mean "intermittent". "Interval" refers to a specific period or space, while "intermittent" means occurring at irregular intervals or not continuous.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "interval" is as a noun. It typically refers to a period of time between events or a distance in space, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Sport

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Travel

7%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "interval" functions primarily as a noun, denoting a period of time or a distance between events, with Ludwig AI confirming its validity in written English. Its usage is very common, especially in News & Media and Sport contexts. When using "interval", ensure clarity by specifying the units of time or distance. Avoid confusing it with "intermittent", which describes irregular occurrences. For alternatives, consider "time span", "period of time", or "intermission" based on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

time span

Focuses on the duration of time between two points.

time frame

Emphasizes the boundaries within which something occurs.

period of time

A general term for a length of time.

time gap

Highlights a break or space in time.

space between

Focuses on the physical or abstract distance separating two things.

interlude

Refers to a brief period that interrupts something else.

pause

Emphasizes a temporary stop or break.

recess

Indicates a break from activity.

intermission

A break during a performance or event.

spacing

Highlights the arrangement or distance between items.

FAQs

How to use "interval" in a sentence?

You can use "interval" to refer to a period of time or a distance in space. For example, "The medication should be taken at eight-hour intervals", or "There was a short interval between the acts".

What can I say instead of "interval"?

You can use alternatives like "time span", "period of time", or "intermission", depending on the context.

What's the difference between "interval" and "intermission"?

"Interval" is a general term for a period or space, while "intermission" specifically refers to a break during a performance, like a play or concert.

Which is correct, "at intervals" or "in intervals"?

"At intervals" is the more common and correct phrase to indicate something happening repeatedly with periods of time or space in between.