sporadically working

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sporadically working" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something is functioning or being productive at irregular intervals rather than consistently. Example: "Due to various interruptions, I find myself sporadically working throughout the day instead of maintaining a steady pace."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Sporadically working ATMs can be found in Bishkek, and most only accept Visa.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

During the first half of 1970, Hendrix sporadically worked on material for what would have been his next LP.

Wikipedia

The new billing system is designed to appeal to those businesses with part-time employees, traveling employees who only log in sporadically, those working on short-term projects, and more.

TechCrunch

He has been working sporadically on Under Milk Wood for almost three decades.

The Guardian - Arts

Soon after Barack Obama phoned Trump to congratulate him on his win on Wednesday, the website appeared to be working sporadically.

The Guardian

"Fortunately for me, it comes at a time in my life where working sporadically fits in well," she says.

The Guardian - Film

Phone voice services are also down across much of the north-east, although data services seemed to be working sporadically.

The Guardian

Now, even the fireman's alarm appears to be only working sporadically, so the Telecare sensors seem a good back up.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Mediaeval accounts refer sporadically to slaves working as household servants, bodyguards, militiamen and sailors in the Persian Gulf including what is today southern Iran.

The Guardian

Eric Mio, 40, who has been working sporadically as a driver for a moving company, said his benefits would run out in a few weeks.

The New York Times

His phones and electricity were working sporadically, but Sawabini already had deals lined up.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the reliability of systems or services, use "sporadically working" to accurately convey that they function inconsistently.

Common error

Do not use "sporadically working" when you mean the system or service is completely broken. This term implies it functions sometimes, even if infrequently.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sporadically working" functions as a compound adjective modifying a noun, typically to describe something that operates or functions in an inconsistent, intermittent manner. As Ludwig AI states, it describes something is functioning or being productive at irregular intervals rather than consistently.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sporadically working" is a useful descriptor for something that functions inconsistently, fitting seamlessly into both formal and informal communication. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It's best employed to accurately portray the unreliability of systems, services, or processes, and should not be used when something is completely non-functional. Alternative phrases like "intermittently working" or "occasionally working" can provide similar nuances depending on the specific context. Examples from diverse sources like The New York Times and TechCrunch illustrate its widespread application, reinforcing its value as a versatile and informative expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intermittently working

Replaces "sporadically" with a direct synonym, emphasizing the on-and-off nature of the work.

occasionally working

Focuses on the infrequent nature of the work, suggesting it happens now and then.

irregularly working

Highlights the lack of a fixed pattern in the work schedule.

working on and off

Uses a more conversational tone to convey the inconsistent work pattern.

part-time working

Describes that the job is not a full time position.

working in fits and starts

Emphasizes the abrupt and uneven nature of the work periods.

working now and then

Similar to 'occasionally working', but emphasizes the time gaps.

episodically working

Suggests the work happens in distinct episodes or bursts.

working at intervals

Highlights that the work happens from time to time.

working disjointedly

Indicates a lack of connection or continuity in the work.

FAQs

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

You can use "sporadically working" to describe something that functions inconsistently. For example, "The website was "sporadically working" due to server issues."

What can I say instead of "sporadically working"?

You can use alternatives like "intermittently working", "occasionally working", or "irregularly working" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "sporadically working" in a formal context?

Yes, "sporadically working" is suitable for formal contexts when describing the inconsistent function of something. The degree of formality depends on the surrounding vocabulary and the overall tone of your document. Using more formal synonyms like "intermittently working" may be better.

What's the difference between "sporadically working" and "not working"?

"Sporadically working" means that something functions sometimes, but not consistently. "Not working" implies that something is completely non-functional. If a device is "sporadically working", it may still be useful in some cases; if it's not working, it provides no function at all.