Top 20 Slang For Sporadically – Meaning & Usage

Sporadically popping up in conversations or texts can leave you feeling out of the loop. But fear not! We’re here to shed light on the slang for sporadically that will have you speaking like a pro in no time. Stay tuned to level up your language game and impress your friends with these trendy expressions!

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1. On and off

This phrase is used to describe something that happens intermittently or irregularly. It suggests that something occurs for a period of time and then stops, only to start again later.

For example, “I’ve been working on this project on and off for months.”
Someone might say, “I’ve been seeing him on and off for a few years now.”
A person discussing their exercise routine might say, “I go to the gym on and off, depending on my schedule.”

2. Every now and then

This phrase is used to describe something that happens from time to time, but not frequently or regularly. It implies that something occurs infrequently or sporadically.

For instance, “I like to treat myself to ice cream every now and then.”
A person might say, “I still think about my high school crush every now and then.”
Someone might mention, “I go hiking every now and then to enjoy nature.”

3. Once in a blue moon

This phrase is used to describe something that happens extremely rarely or almost never. It suggests that something occurs so infrequently that it is considered quite rare or unusual.

For example, “I only see my extended family once in a blue moon.”
A person might say, “I go to fancy restaurants once in a blue moon as a special treat.”
Someone might mention, “I clean out my closet once in a blue moon when it gets too cluttered.”

4. Hit or miss

This phrase is used to describe something that is unpredictable or unreliable. It suggests that something can either be successful or unsuccessful, with no guarantee of consistent results.

For instance, “The quality of this restaurant is hit or miss.”
A person might say, “The bus schedule is hit or miss, so I always leave early.”
Someone might mention, “The weather forecast for tomorrow is hit or miss, so I’ll bring an umbrella just in case.”

5. Off and on

This phrase is used to describe something that happens on occasion, but not continuously or consistently. It implies that something occurs irregularly or in a sporadic manner.

For example, “I’ve been studying off and on for the exam.”
A person might say, “I’ve been dating him off and on for a few months.”
Someone might mention, “I’ve been working on this project off and on whenever I have free time.”

6. In fits and starts

This phrase refers to something that happens in a stop-and-start manner, with periods of activity followed by periods of inactivity.

For example, “The project progressed in fits and starts, with bursts of productivity followed by periods of stagnation.”
A person describing their exercise routine might say, “I’ve been trying to get in shape, but I’ve only been going to the gym in fits and starts.”
In a discussion about a writer’s creative process, someone might mention, “They tend to write in fits and starts, with bursts of inspiration followed by periods of writer’s block.”

7. Sporadically

This word describes something that happens irregularly or in scattered instances.

For instance, “He only visits his parents sporadically, usually during holidays.”
A person might say, “I’ve been checking my email sporadically throughout the day.”
In a conversation about a TV show, someone might mention, “I’ve been watching it sporadically, catching an episode here and there.”

8. From time to time

This phrase means that something happens occasionally, without a regular pattern.

For example, “I like to indulge in chocolate from time to time.”
A person might say, “I see my old friends from time to time, whenever our schedules align.”
In a discussion about hobbies, someone might mention, “I enjoy painting, but I only do it from time to time.”

9. Now and again

This phrase means that something happens occasionally or infrequently, with no set pattern.

For instance, “I like to treat myself to a fancy dinner now and again.”
A person might say, “I still think about my high school crush now and again.”
In a conversation about traveling, someone might mention, “I love to go on spontaneous trips now and again.”

10. In dribs and drabs

This phrase describes something that happens gradually or in scattered portions.

For example, “The information was released in dribs and drabs, with new details trickling out over time.”
A person might say, “I’ve been saving money for a trip, but only in dribs and drabs.”
In a discussion about progress on a project, someone might mention, “We’re making slow progress, but it’s coming in dribs and drabs.”

11. By fits and starts

This phrase describes something that occurs in an inconsistent or unpredictable manner. It suggests a stop-and-go pattern or progress that is not smooth or continuous.

For example, “She studied for her exam by fits and starts, sometimes spending hours at a time and other times taking long breaks.”
In a discussion about a project, someone might say, “We’ve been making progress by fits and starts, but we need to establish a more consistent workflow.”
Another usage might be, “The team’s performance has been by fits and starts, with moments of brilliance followed by periods of struggle.”

12. At intervals

This phrase refers to something that happens from time to time or at regular intervals. It suggests a pattern of occurrence that is not constant or continuous.

For instance, “He checks his email at intervals throughout the day to stay updated.”
In a conversation about a recurring event, someone might say, “The fireworks display happens at intervals of every hour.”
Another usage might be, “The rain showers came at intervals, with periods of sunshine in between.”

13. In spurts

This phrase describes something that occurs in short bursts or periods of activity followed by inactivity. It suggests a stop-and-start pattern or progress that is not consistent or steady.

For example, “He worked on the project in spurts, spending a few hours on it one day and then not touching it for a week.”
In a discussion about productivity, someone might say, “I find that I can focus and get work done in spurts, rather than working for long stretches of time.”
Another usage might be, “The team’s performance has been in spurts, with moments of high energy followed by periods of low motivation.”

14. In snatches

This phrase refers to something that occurs in short periods or moments of time. It suggests a fragmented or interrupted pattern of occurrence.

For instance, “She read the book in snatches, stealing moments during her commute.”
In a conversation about a busy schedule, someone might say, “I can only work on the project in snatches between my other commitments.”
Another usage might be, “The baby slept in snatches, waking up every few minutes.”

15. By fits and jerks

This phrase describes something that occurs in an irregular or spasmodic manner. It suggests a pattern of occurrence that is not smooth or continuous, with abrupt and jerky movements.

For example, “The car engine ran by fits and jerks, sputtering and stalling unpredictably.”
In a discussion about progress, someone might say, “The project has been moving forward by fits and jerks, with periods of rapid advancement followed by delays.”
Another usage might be, “The team’s performance has been by fits and jerks, with moments of brilliance and innovation followed by setbacks and obstacles.”

16. By fits and snatches

This phrase refers to something happening in an irregular or intermittent manner. It implies that there are periods of activity followed by periods of inactivity.

For example, “He studied for the exam by fits and snatches, often taking breaks in between.”
A person might say, “I’ve been working on my novel by fits and snatches, whenever inspiration strikes.”
Another might explain, “I’ve been trying to fix my car by fits and snatches, but it’s been a slow process.”

17. By snatches

This phrase describes something happening in short bursts or intervals. It suggests that the activity is not continuous and occurs sporadically.

For instance, “He managed to catch some sleep by snatches during his long flight.”
A person might say, “I’ve been reading the book by snatches, whenever I have a few minutes to spare.”
Another might explain, “I’ve been working on the project by snatches, whenever I have some free time.”

18. By jerks

This phrase refers to something happening in abrupt or uneven movements. It implies that the activity is not smooth or continuous, but rather characterized by sudden stops and starts.

For example, “The car moved forward by jerks, indicating a problem with the engine.”
A person might say, “I’ve been trying to learn to play the piano by jerks, practicing whenever I have a spare moment.”
Another might explain, “I’ve been writing my essay by jerks, taking breaks to gather my thoughts.”

19. By snatches and jerks

This phrase describes something happening in irregular and abrupt intervals. It suggests that the activity occurs sporadically and is characterized by both short bursts and sudden stops.

For instance, “The construction work progressed by snatches and jerks, with long periods of inactivity.”
A person might say, “I’ve been studying for the exam by snatches and jerks, fitting it in whenever I can.”
Another might explain, “I’ve been working on the project by snatches and jerks, taking breaks to address other tasks.”

20. By snatches and snorts

This phrase refers to something happening in sporadic and uneven bursts. It implies that the activity occurs in short bursts and irregular intervals, with abrupt stops and starts.

For example, “The baby slept by snatches and snorts, waking up frequently throughout the night.”
A person might say, “I’ve been exercising by snatches and snorts, squeezing in short workouts whenever I can.”
Another might explain, “I’ve been working on the puzzle by snatches and snorts, taking breaks to think about the next move.”