THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
In fits and starts
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
With repeated stops and starts rather than steady progress.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- I worked on the essay in fits and starts between customer calls.
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
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Can you recall the expression?
Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.
I worked on the essay ________ between customer calls.
Show the answer
In fits and starts — With repeated stops and starts rather than steady progress.
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Make it yours
Write one sentence using “In fits and starts” about your own life.
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Does your sentence match this meaning?
With repeated stops and starts rather than steady progress.
Compare: I worked on the essay in fits and starts between customer calls.
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More ways to understand and use it
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When to use it
Use this expression about work, learning or activity that happens irregularly. It often suggests that interruptions make progress uneven.
More examples in context
- The repairs progressed in fits and starts as parts became available.
- We have been learning the song in fits and starts rather than practising regularly.
Usage note
Keep both nouns plural: “fits and starts”. “By fits and starts” is another form. The expression describes irregular activity, rather than simply a late beginning.
A short conversation
A: Have you finished the photo album?
B: Not yet. I’ve been working on it in fits and starts.
A: Maybe a regular half-hour would help.
One more practice question
Which pattern is working in fits and starts?
A. Working continuously at a steady pace.
B. Working briefly, stopping repeatedly and beginning again.
Check your answer
B. Repeated interruptions and resumptions are the defining pattern.
Related lessons
Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.