sporadically available

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sporadically available" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is not consistently accessible or present, but occurs at irregular intervals. Example: "The service is sporadically available, so please check back often for updates."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Cooking oil had always been only sporadically available, but now it was never in the bag.

The New Yorker

Their relationship ultimately was only partly exploited; but the best of these recordings, Morgan's "Expoobident" and Mr. Shorter's "Introducing Wayne Shorter," are undervalued (and only sporadically available) gems.

The New York Times - Arts

Although rhubarb is sporadically available year round, what most markets carry out of season is usually a relatively delicate hothouse variety, often imported from the Netherlands.

The New York Times - Food

It hardly takes a David Axelrod, the sporadically available American campaign guru, to tell Team Miliband that this is a crazy message indiscipline.

The Guardian - Opinion

Power and water are only sporadically available, and live electrical wires are exposed, so the authorities are continuing to bar some residents from their homes.

The New York Times

At times the sites were only sporadically available, and some attempts to log into banking accounts were met with an error message.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

A sympathetic pair of improvisers, they have worked together only sporadically: their available body of work grew significantly last year with the release of "Pendulum," a three-CD set of material from a 1978 Village Vanguard engagement.

The New York Times - Arts

In fact, the label has gained a cachet among hip-hop D.J.'s, in part because its catalog has only sporadically been available since the introduction of the CD in the late 1980's.

The New York Times - Arts

Electricity is available sporadically, based chiefly on the whim of the militants.

The Guardian

The power in Baghdad (outside the US-occupied presidential palace and embassy buildings) is available, sporadically, about nine hours a day.

The Guardian - Arts

This paper deals with the state estimation of linear time-invariant systems for which measurements of the output are available sporadically.

Automatica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sporadically available", ensure the context clearly indicates what factors influence the irregular availability. For example, specify if it's due to supply chain issues, technical problems, or seasonal changes.

Common error

Avoid using "sporadically available" when something is almost never available. The term implies some level of accessibility, even if infrequent. If something is nearly always unavailable, use stronger terms like "rarely available" or "virtually nonexistent".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sporadically available" functions as an adverbial modifier followed by an adjective. It describes the manner in which something is available, indicating that its availability is not consistent or regular. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sporadically available" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe something that is not consistently accessible. According to Ludwig AI, it functions as an adverbial modifier and adjective, informing the audience about the unreliable or inconsistent nature of a resource, service, or product. While its register is generally neutral, its formality depends on the surrounding context. It's often found in News & Media and Scientific domains. Related phrases include "occasionally accessible" and "intermittently available", though it's important to consider the specific nuances of each when choosing the most appropriate alternative. Use the phrase when you want to highlight the irregular availability of something, setting realistic expectations for your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

occasionally accessible

Replaces "sporadically" with "occasionally", suggesting a slightly higher frequency.

intermittently available

Uses "intermittently" to emphasize the stop-and-start nature of availability.

available at times

A simpler phrasing that directly conveys the idea of non-constant availability.

not consistently available

Explicitly states the lack of consistent availability.

available off and on

An informal way to express the irregular availability.

unpredictably available

Highlights the uncertainty of when something will be available.

erratically available

Suggests a less predictable and more unstable pattern of availability.

infrequently available

Emphasizes the low frequency of availability.

selectively available

Indicates that availability is restricted based on certain criteria.

now and then available

Uses a colloquial expression for something that happens from time to time.

FAQs

How can I use "sporadically available" in a sentence?

You can use "sporadically available" to describe resources, services, or information that are not consistently accessible. For example: "Due to ongoing repairs, internet access is "sporadically available" in the library."

What's the difference between "sporadically available" and "occasionally available"?

"Sporadically available" suggests a more irregular and unpredictable pattern of availability compared to "occasionally available", which implies more predictable instances.

What can I say instead of "sporadically available" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "intermittently available" or "not consistently available" instead of "sporadically available".

Is it appropriate to use "sporadically available" in professional writing?

Yes, "sporadically available" is appropriate for professional writing, especially when describing the fluctuating accessibility of resources or services. However, ensure that the context is clear and that more precise language isn't required. You could replace it with other valid alternatives such as "available at times".