patchy time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "patchy time" is not a standard expression in written English, but it can be understood in context.
You can use it to describe periods of time that are inconsistent, irregular, or lacking in continuity. Example: "My schedule has been quite hectic lately, with patchy time for relaxation and self-care."

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Another advantage of this scheme is its applicability to patchy time series.

Earth, Planets and Space

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

However, because of strong taphonomic filtering and subsequent diagenesis, fossils in geyserite are very rare in the pre-Quaternary sinter record which, in and of itself, is patchy in time and space back to about 400 Ma.

Earth-Science Reviews

If the moss begins to appear dark green or patchy over time, it is likely receiving too much water.

WikiHow

Studies have also shown that when food distribution is patchy, feeding times are shorter and more time is spent traveling.

Wikipedia

When Mary Cummings, a former US Navy pilot, stopped flying F-18 fighter jets in 1997, there were no video links between cockpits and command centres, and even radio contact was patchy at times.

The Economist

Our attack was patchy at times but I thought our defence was pretty solid.

BBC

Obviously, this lead to patchy, non-real time information with limited reliability as people sporadically report via radio what they see.

Journal of Internet Services and Applications

Inducible defenses are a general strategy against enemies with a patchy distribution in time and space, resulting in a varying impact on their victims.

Behavioral Ecology

Saracens director of rugby Mark McCall: "It was a bit patchy, there were times when we were good and there were times when we weren't so good, but you can't ask for any more.

BBC

Despite feminists heaping praise on the police since they improved their approach to victims from the bad old days of the 70s and 80s, response to rape is still patchy and, at times, unacceptable.

The Guardian

In fact, the third season has shown Dreyfus demonstrating the kind of form that has transformed a promising, if at times patchy, series into one of the funniest comedies of the year.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing schedules or resource availability, consider alternatives like "intermittent" or "sporadic" to enhance clarity and formality.

Common error

Avoid using "patchy time" in formal writing, as it can sound informal or imprecise. Opt for more specific and professional language depending on the context such as /s/inconsistent+time, /s/sporadic+time, /s/irregular+time.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "patchy time" functions as an adjective modifying a noun. It describes the quality of the "time" being referred to, indicating that it is uneven, inconsistent, or not continuous. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase may not be very common in standard English, but it can be understood in context.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "patchy time" describes time that is inconsistent, irregular, or fragmented. While understandable, Ludwig AI confirms that it's not a very common expression in standard English, and its grammatical status is considered acceptable but not necessarily ideal. Its primary function is to describe the uneven or unreliable nature of time availability. Alternatives like /s/intermittent+time, /s/sporadic+time, or /s/inconsistent+time may be more appropriate in formal writing to enhance clarity and precision. Therefore, while the phrase isn't incorrect, careful consideration of context and audience is crucial.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intermittent time

Replaces "patchy" with "intermittent", focusing on the on-and-off nature of the time period.

sporadic time

Uses "sporadic" to emphasize the irregularity and infrequency of the time.

irregular time

Replaces "patchy" with "irregular", highlighting the lack of consistent structure.

inconsistent time

Uses "inconsistent" to stress the lack of uniformity in the time period.

fragmented time

Focuses on the broken or disjointed nature of the time available.

uneven time

Highlights the disparities and imbalances within the time period.

discontinuous time

Emphasizes the breaks and interruptions in the flow of time.

periodic time

Focuses on the cyclical nature of the time, with recurring intervals.

occasional time

Highlights the infrequent or incidental nature of the time.

scattered time

Emphasizes the dispersed and unconnected nature of the time available.

FAQs

What does "patchy time" mean?

"Patchy time" describes time that is inconsistent, irregular, or fragmented. It suggests that the time available is not continuous or evenly distributed.

How can I use "patchy time" in a sentence?

You might say, "Due to my demanding schedule, I only have "intermittent time" for personal projects".

What are some alternatives to "patchy time"?

Alternatives include "inconsistent time", "sporadic time", or "fragmented time", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "patchy time" grammatically correct?

While understandable, "patchy time" isn't a standard or highly formal expression. It's generally acceptable in informal contexts but might benefit from more precise wording in formal or academic writing.