What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
nonrecurrent
Example
The nonrecurrent expenses for the project were higher than expected. [nonrecurrent: adjective]
Example
The nonrecurrent nature of the event made it all the more special. [nonrecurrent: noun]
sporadic
Example
The company experienced sporadic sales throughout the year. [sporadic: adjective]
Example
The power outages were sporadic and affected different parts of the city. [sporadic: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sporadic is more commonly used than nonrecurrent in everyday language. Sporadic is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while nonrecurrent is less common and often used in technical or formal writing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between nonrecurrent and sporadic?
While nonrecurrent is typically associated with a formal or technical tone, sporadic is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.