Literary notes about sporadic (AI summary)
In literature, "sporadic" is often employed to evoke irregularity and the sense of occurrences that are scattered and unconnected in time or intensity. Authors use it to describe intermittent actions, such as sporadic engagements in military campaigns [1, 2] or fleeting personal contacts [3, 4], where the lack of continuity highlights their unpredictable nature. It also appears in cultural and intellectual contexts to underline isolated bursts of activity or thought, as seen in shifting moments of inspiration or disjointed efforts [5, 6]. This nuanced use of "sporadic" enriches narratives by drawing attention to the randomness of events, whether in historical settings, social interactions, or even in the realm of abstract ideas.
- At 0800 on 31 December, the assault forces of the 305th Infantry resumed the attack, and encountered only sporadic rifle fire.
— from Leyte: The Return to the Philippines by M. Hamlin Cannon - Sporadic rebel campaigns continued throughout 2006 and 2007, and the capital experienced a significant rebel threat in early 2008.
— from The 2009 CIA World Factbook by United States. Central Intelligence Agency - Except for sporadic trips to Dallas, she remained there until 1959, leaving Ruby a power of attorney.
— from Report of the President's Commission on the Assassination of President John F. Kennedy by United States. Warren Commission - C6-1200 Later, in 1947, he moved from Chicago to Dallas and maintained only sporadic contact with most of his family.
— from Report of the President's Commission on the Assassination of President John F. Kennedy by United States. Warren Commission - Aside from sporadic instances, like the height of Greek thought, it is a comparatively modern manifestation.
— from Democracy and Education: An Introduction to the Philosophy of Education by John Dewey - The habits of sporadic and fragmentary discourse thus promoted have inevitably a disintegrating intellectual influence.
— from How We Think by John Dewey
