Mastering the Idiom 'By Fits and Starts': Meaning, Synonyms, Usage, and More

Introduction

The phrase “by fits and starts” is a commonly used idiom in the English language. It describes a process or activity that happens in bursts, inconsistently, or irregularly. If you’ve ever heard someone say, “The project was completed by fits and starts,” you may have wondered what exactly that means. In this blog post, we will explore the meaning of "by fits and starts," its synonyms, its usage in various contexts, and provide you with sample sentences to help you understand this expression fully.

Meaning of "By Fits and Starts"

The phrase “by fits and starts” means that something happens sporadically or intermittently rather than continuously. It suggests that an activity or action is undertaken with pauses, breaks, or a lack of smooth progress. It is often used to describe efforts or actions that are disjointed, occurring in fits (sudden bursts of activity) and starts (initial attempts that don’t go smoothly or are interrupted).

Synonyms for "By Fits and Starts"

Here are some synonyms you can use for "by fits and starts" to convey a similar meaning:

Intermittently
Sporadically
Infrequently
Erratically
On and off
In bursts
In dribs and drabs

These synonyms can be used in various contexts where something is happening irregularly or in an uneven pattern.

Context and Usage of "By Fits and Starts"

The phrase “by fits and starts” is typically used to describe a process, task, or effort that does not proceed in a continuous or consistent manner. You might use it to explain a project, a relationship, or any activity that progresses in an inconsistent or unpredictable way.

For example:

If you are working on a creative project that you start and stop several times, you might say, “I’ve been writing this novel by fits and starts.”
If someone is learning a new skill but doesn’t practice regularly, they may improve “by fits and starts.”

This idiom is often used when referring to something that lacks smooth progress, usually because of interruptions or lack of sustained effort.

Origin of "By Fits and Starts"

The phrase "by fits and starts" dates back to the 16th century. The word "fit" in this context refers to a sudden burst of activity or a short, intense outburst. "Start," on the other hand, originally meant a sudden movement or an abrupt beginning. When combined, the phrase depicted a process that occurred suddenly and intermittently, reflecting an uneven or disjointed pattern of activity.

5 Sample Sentences Using "By Fits and Starts"

The project was completed by fits and starts, with several delays and changes to the original plan.
She studied for the exam by fits and starts, never sticking to a consistent schedule.
His progress on the new software development was slow, moving forward by fits and starts due to constant interruptions.
The business grew by fits and starts, expanding rapidly during some months and stagnating during others.
He’s been trying to lose weight by fits and starts, having some good weeks followed by long periods of inactivity.

Conclusion

In summary, “by fits and starts” is an idiomatic expression that describes an action or process that takes place in an irregular or interrupted manner. Whether you’re working on a project, pursuing a goal, or learning a new skill, this phrase can be used to illustrate a lack of consistent progress. By understanding its meaning, synonyms, and usage, you can better integrate it into your everyday language to convey the unpredictability and bursts of energy or effort that often accompany any task or project.

For more tips on idiomatic expressions and improving your English fluency, stay tuned to our blog!