In Fits And Starts in a sentence

In Fits And Starts meaning

In fits and starts is an idiomatic expression that refers to something happening intermittently or irregularly, often with periods of progress followed by periods of inactivity or setbacks. This phrase can be used to describe various situations, such as the progress of a project, the development of a skill, or the behavior of an individual. To effectively incorporate "in fits and starts" into your sentences, consider the following tips:

1. Understand the meaning: Before using any phrase, it is crucial to grasp its meaning. "In fits and starts" implies sporadic or irregular progress, characterized by bursts of activity followed by periods of inactivity or setbacks. This understanding will help you use the phrase accurately in your sentences.

2. Contextualize the phrase: To make your sentences more meaningful, provide context that clarifies the situation in which the phrase is being used. This will help readers or listeners better comprehend the intended message.

For example, if you are discussing a project's progress, mention the specific project and its objectives.

3. Use it to describe progress: "In fits and starts" is commonly used to describe progress that is not consistent or smooth. For instance, you can say, "Despite his initial enthusiasm, John's efforts to learn the guitar have been progressing in fits and starts." This sentence conveys that John's progress in learning the guitar has been irregular, with periods of intense practice followed by periods of little to no practice.

4. Describe intermittent behavior: The phrase can also be used to describe someone's behavior that is inconsistent or sporadic.

For example, "Sarah's commitment to her fitness routine has been in fits and starts lately, as she often skips workouts and then tries to make up for it with intense sessions." This sentence illustrates Sarah's irregular behavior towards her fitness routine.

5. Highlight setbacks or obstacles: "In fits and starts" can be used to emphasize setbacks or obstacles that hinder progress. For instance, "The construction of the new building has been progressing in fits and starts due to frequent supply chain disruptions." This sentence indicates that the construction progress has been irregular due to various obstacles.

6. Contrast with steady progress: To highlight the contrast between irregular progress and consistent progress, you can use "in fits and starts" in comparison.

For example, "While the team's performance has been improving steadily, the marketing department's progress has been in fits and starts." This sentence emphasizes the inconsistent progress of the marketing department compared to the steady improvement of the team.

7. Vary sentence structure: To avoid repetition and make your writing more engaging, experiment with different sentence structures when using the phrase. For instance, you can use it at the beginning of a sentence: "In fits and starts, the artist began to paint, often taking long breaks between each stroke." Alternatively, you can use it in the middle or at the end of a sentence for a different effect. Remember, using "in fits and starts" in your sentences requires an understanding of its meaning and the ability to provide appropriate context. By following these tips, you can effectively incorporate this phrase into your writing or conversations, enhancing your communication skills.