Mastering "at regular intervals": A Simple Grammar Guide

Do you ever need to describe something that happens repeatedly, with a consistent rhythm? In English, one of the most useful adverbial phrases for this is "at regular intervals". This phrase is perfect for when you want to make your English sound more natural and precise, whether you're talking about daily routines, scientific processes, or even how often you water your plants! Understanding how to use adverbial phrases like this can significantly improve your fluency in English and help you modify verbs accurately.

Table of Contents

• What Does "at regular intervals" Mean?
• What Type of Adverbial Phrase Is "at regular intervals"?
• Example Sentences with "at regular intervals"
• When and How to Use "at regular intervals"
• Summary and Practice Tip

What Does "at regular intervals" Mean?

"At regular intervals" means happening often and with the same amount of time or space between each occasion. Think of a clock ticking, or a bus arriving every 15 minutes. It describes actions or events that occur with a consistent pattern or rhythm. This phrase acts as an adverb, giving us more information about when or how often an action takes place in a sentence.

More: Mastering 'Just Before the Deadline': A Timely Grammar Guide

What Type of Adverbial Phrase Is "at regular intervals"?

"At regular intervals" is an adverbial phrase of time. It tells us about the frequency or timing of an action.

Its grammatical structure is:

• Preposition: "at"
• Adjective: "regular" (modifies the noun "intervals")
• Noun (plural): "intervals"

This phrase typically describes when an action is performed, meaning it can modify verbs. It usually appears at the end of a sentence, but for emphasis, it can sometimes be placed at the beginning.

Here are some common sentence patterns:

• Subject + Verb + [Adverbial Phrase]: The security guards check the building at regular intervals.
• [Adverbial Phrase], Subject + Verb: At regular intervals, the timer beeps.

More: Mastering 'In the Last Few Seconds' Your Guide to English Timing

Example Sentences with "at regular intervals"

Here are a few natural sentence examples to help you understand how to use "at regular intervals" in context:

• The doctor advised the patient to take the medicine at regular intervals.
• For best results, you should stir the mixture at regular intervals while it heats.
• The automated system sends out reports at regular intervals, usually every hour.

Here's a short dialogue:

• Person A: "How often do they update the website's news section?"
• Person B: "They publish new articles at regular intervals, usually every Monday and Thursday."

More: Mastering 'When the Bell Rang': A Simple English Grammar Guide

When and How to Use "at regular intervals"

You'll find "at regular intervals" used in various situations, from formal instructions to everyday conversation. It's especially useful when you need to be precise about frequency or a recurring schedule.

Typical Use Cases:

• Instructions & Manuals: "Check the oil level at regular intervals." (Ensuring maintenance happens on a consistent schedule).
• Describing Routines: "We take short breaks at regular intervals during long meetings." (Indicating a planned pattern).
• Scientific or Technical Contexts: "The sensor collects data at regular intervals." (Describing precise, automated timing).

Common Variations or Related Phrases:

• While "at regular intervals" implies a consistent, often fixed, time gap, phrases like "regularly" or "frequently" are more general. "Every X minutes/hours/days" is a more specific way to state the exact interval.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Missing "at": Saying "regular intervals" instead of "at regular intervals" is a common error. The preposition "at" is crucial here. According to Cambridge Dictionary, the full phrase is necessary to convey the meaning correctly.
• Using "interval" (singular): The noun "intervals" must be plural. The phrase refers to multiple points in time, not a single one.
• Word Order: While it can begin a sentence for emphasis, it most naturally follows the verb it modifies or appears at the end of the clause.

Summary and Practice Tip

"At regular intervals" is a powerful adverbial phrase of time that helps you clearly express that something happens with consistent frequency. It's a great tool for describing schedules, routines, and recurring events in a precise way. Remember the structure: "at" + "regular" + "intervals," and ensure you use the plural "intervals"!

Practice Tip: To truly master this phrase, try writing three sentences of your own using "at regular intervals." Think about things you do regularly, or things that happen consistently around you. For example, "I water my plants at regular intervals." Share your sentences in the comments, or try to use the phrase in your next English conversation! If you found this helpful, explore more of our articles on common English grammar rules and sentence examples.