intervals

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "intervals" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to periods of time or spaces between events, actions, or objects. Example: "The train arrives at regular intervals, making it easy for passengers to plan their journeys."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Ten terror suspects alleged to the ICRC that these included beingtold to stand upright and shackled to the ceiling for up to three days, and in some cases at intervals for over three months.

The Guardian

"Got up at 6am and did 40 minutes of intervals on the cross-trainer.

The Guardian

Atop this, an array of 62 watchtowers, jutting out at regular intervals, formed a formidable line of defence.

The Guardian

The service charge was paid in advance in six-monthly intervals.

The Guardian

If the appeal succeeds, ministers would have to create a system of examining whole-life criminals at regular intervals to see if they are safe to let out.

The Guardian

University is a rich and random conveyor belt of meet-and-greets, and the potential LFs enter and exit at steady intervals throughout.

The Guardian

He wrote four acts, which were performed with 45-minute intervals between each act.

The Guardian

Recommended prescription: three large doses per day and infinite application at 20- to 30-minute intervals, forever.

The Guardian

Dr David Whitehouse, an astrophysicist and science editor for the GWPF, said: "This is a highly speculative and slight paper that produces a statistically marginal result by cherry-picking time intervals".

The Guardian

Their mothers return to their own otryad soon after giving birth, visiting their infants in their spare time or at set intervals if they are breastfeeding.

The Guardian

But the book departs from this main plot, jumping back at frequent intervals to explore the earlier lives of McHoan's parents and aunts and uncles.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing regularly occurring events, specify the type of "intervals" (e.g. "hourly", "daily", "weekly") to provide clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "intervals" when you mean "interruptions". "Intervals" refer to planned or expected gaps, while "interruptions" are unexpected breaks.

Linguistic Context

"Intervals" primarily functions as a noun, often plural, referring to the period or space between two events, points in time, or objects. As per Ludwig, the word follows standard grammar rules and it is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "intervals" is a versatile noun used to describe the space or period between events or objects. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various contexts, especially in news, business, and scientific domains. While alternatives like "time gaps" or "spacings" exist, "intervals" remains a precise and commonly understood term. Remember to specify the type of "intervals" when appropriate (e.g. "hourly intervals") and avoid confusing it with "interruptions". By understanding these nuances, you can confidently and accurately use "intervals" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

time gaps

Focuses specifically on the temporal separation between events.

gaps in time

Highlights the breaks or pauses in a sequence of events.

time periods

Emphasizes a defined duration of time.

spacings

Refers to the distance or arrangement between objects or events.

timeframes

Emphasizes the duration within which something occurs.

periods

General term for segments of time.

intermissions

Describes breaks or pauses, often in a performance or activity.

regular occurrences

Highlights events that happen at consistent time separations.

breaks

Highlights temporary pauses or interruptions.

separate occasions

Emphasizes the distinct and individual nature of the separated events.

FAQs

How to use "intervals" in a sentence?

You can use "intervals" to refer to periods of time or space between events, actions, or objects. For instance, "The medication should be taken at regular intervals" or "The watchtowers were built at regular intervals along the wall".

What can I say instead of "intervals"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "time gaps", "periods", or "spacings".

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

Both "regular intervals" and "at intervals" are correct. "Regular intervals" emphasizes consistent spacing, while "at intervals" simply indicates that something occurs with spacing between instances.

What's the difference between "intervals" and "durations"?

"Intervals" refer to the spaces between events, while "durations" refer to the length of time that an event lasts.