What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sporadic
Example
The company experienced sporadic sales throughout the year. [sporadic: adjective]
Example
The rain was sporadic, with sudden bursts of heavy downpours followed by long periods of sunshine. [sporadic: adjective]
irregular
Example
Her work schedule was irregular, with shifts changing from week to week. [irregular: adjective]
Example
The rock had an irregular shape, with jagged edges and uneven surfaces. [irregular: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Irregular is more commonly used than sporadic in everyday language. Irregular is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while sporadic is less common and refers to a specific type of irregularity.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sporadic and irregular?
Both sporadic and irregular are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
