What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
discontinuously
Example
The internet connection was working discontinuously, making it difficult to complete the task. [discontinuously: adverb]
Example
The company's revenue increased discontinuously over the years. [discontinuously: adverb]
sporadically
Example
He only visits his hometown sporadically, usually during holidays. [sporadically: adverb]
Example
The team's performance has been sporadic throughout the season. [sporadic: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sporadically is more commonly used than discontinuously in everyday language. Sporadically is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while discontinuously is more specific and is often used in technical or scientific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between discontinuously and sporadically?
Discontinuously is typically associated with a more formal tone due to its technical usage, while sporadically is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.