What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
recurring
Example
She has a recurring dream about flying. [recurring: adjective]
Example
The company experienced recurring problems with their software. [recurring: adjective]
intermittent
Example
The rain was intermittent throughout the day. [intermittent: adjective]
Example
He suffered from intermittent bouts of insomnia. [intermittent: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Recurring is more commonly used than intermittent in everyday language. Recurring is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while intermittent is more specific and often used in medical or technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between recurring and intermittent?
Intermittent is generally considered more formal than recurring. While recurring can be used in both formal and informal contexts, intermittent is typically used in more technical or scientific contexts.
