What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
intermittently
Example
The rain fell intermittently throughout the day. [intermittently: adverb]
Example
The internet connection was working intermittently, making it difficult to complete the task. [intermittently: adverb]
sporadically
Example
He only visits sporadically, so we never know when he'll show up. [sporadically: adverb]
Example
The company hires employees sporadically throughout the year, depending on their needs. [sporadically: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Intermittently is more commonly used than sporadically in formal writing and academic contexts. However, sporadically is more commonly used in informal speech and everyday conversation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between intermittently and sporadically?
Intermittently is considered more formal than sporadically, and is therefore more appropriate for use in academic or professional writing.
