What is another word for by/in fits and starts?
Pronunciation: [ba͡ɪ slˈaʃ ɪn fˈɪts and stˈɑːts] (IPA) 
The phrase "by/in fits and starts" refers to progress or movement being made in an irregular or sporadic manner. Some synonyms for this phrase might include "unevenly," "spasmodically," "intermittently," or "erratically." Another way to describe this type of progress might be to say that something is happening "in bursts," "in spurts," or "in fits and spurts." Regardless of the specific phrasing used, these synonyms all suggest that the progress being made is not steady or consistent, and may require stops and starts as the activity progresses.
