Understanding the Verb "Intermit"
Have you ever had to put a project on hold, only to return to it later? If you are looking for a more precise or formal way to describe that temporary break, you might choose to intermit your activities. While the word may sound a bit old-fashioned in daily conversation, it carries a sense of intentional, periodic pausing that is quite useful in professional or academic writing.
What Does "Intermit" Mean?
At its core, to intermit simply means to cease an action temporarily. It is the verb form of the much more common adjective intermittent. When you intermit, you are essentially creating a space or a "gap" in the middle of a continuous process.
The word finds its roots in the Latin inter, meaning "between," and mittere, meaning "to send." You can think of it as "sending" a break into the middle of your work, effectively separating one session from the next.
Usage and Grammar Patterns
Because intermit is a formal verb, it is typically used in structured contexts rather than casual text messages. It is an intransitive verb in most contexts, though it can be used transitively when discussing the deliberate pausing of a task.
Here are a few ways to use the word naturally:
- The heavy rains intermitted for an hour, giving the construction crew just enough time to lay the foundation.
- It is unwise to intermit your medical treatment without first consulting your doctor.
- The speaker intermitted her presentation briefly to allow the audience to ask clarifying questions.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The most common mistake learners make is confusing the verb intermit with its adjective cousin, intermittent. Remember that intermit is an action—a verb—while intermittent describes something that happens in stops and starts.
Incorrect: The lights are intermit today. (Use "intermittent" here as an adjective.)
Correct: We decided to intermit the project until further funding was secured. (This is a correct usage of the verb.)
Another common error is treating "intermit" as a synonym for "stop forever." Intermit specifically implies that the action is expected to resume. If you stop something for good, you should use words like "terminate," "cease," or "discontinue."
Frequently Asked Questions
Is "intermit" a common word in modern English?
No, it is relatively rare. You will find it more often in literature, legal documents, or formal academic essays than in casual speech.
How is "intermit" different from "pause"?
While they are synonyms, "pause" is universal and casual. "Intermit" feels more intentional, often implying a break that happens at regular intervals or a formal decision to suspend activity.
Can I say "intermit the session"?
Yes, that is a grammatically correct way to use the word, meaning you are putting the session on hold for a period of time.
Is "intermit" related to "intermission"?
Exactly! An intermission is simply a noun derived from the same Latin roots, referring to the time when an event, such as a play or movie, is intermitted.
Conclusion
Adding intermit to your vocabulary allows you to describe the ebb and flow of projects, behaviors, and events with greater precision. While you may not use it every day, recognizing and understanding this verb will help you better grasp formal English literature and professional communications. Remember: when you need to take a deliberate, temporary break from an ongoing process, consider using this classic term to describe your actions.