Language is versatile, offering numerous ways to express frequency, probability, or occasional occurrences. “Sometimes” is a common adverb we use to indicate that something happens now and then, but not always.
Exploring different expressions to convey this can add variety and nuance to our conversations and writings. Here are 20 alternative ways to say “sometimes,” each with a brief explanation and a simple example to illustrate its use.
Ways to Say Sometimes
1. Occasionally
Meaning: From time to time.
Example: She occasionally goes for a walk.
2. From time to time
Meaning: Now and then.
Example: From time to time, I read a novel.
3. Every so often
Meaning: At intervals; sporadically.
Example: Every so often, he visits the city.
4. Now and again
Meaning: Occasionally.
Example: Now and again, I enjoy a good movie.
5. Periodically
Meaning: At regular intervals.
Example: He checks his email periodically.
6. Once in a while
Meaning: Not very often.
Example: Once in a while, we eat out.
7. On occasion
Meaning: Occasionally; not regularly.
Example: On occasion, she bakes cookies.
8. Sporadically
Meaning: Irregularly.
Example: His visits are sporadic.
9. Infrequently
Meaning: Rarely; not often.
Example: They meet infrequently.
10. At times
Meaning: Sometimes; on some occasions.
Example: At times, I feel overwhelmed.
11. Intermittently
Meaning: With pauses or breaks.
Example: It rains intermittently here.
12. Every now and then
Meaning: Occasionally; from time to time.
Example: Every now and then, I go jogging.
13. Once or twice
Meaning: A few times; not often.
Example: I’ve seen him once or twice.
14. Not always but often
Meaning: Quite frequently but not always.
Example: Not always but often, I drink tea.
15. Here and there
Meaning: In various places or situations; occasionally.
Example: Here and there, you’ll find wildflowers.
16. Off and on
Meaning: Inconsistently; now and then.
Example: She’s been working on the project off and on.
17. On and off
Meaning: Similar to off and on.
Example: It’s been raining on and off all day.
18. At intervals
Meaning: Periodically.
Example: He publishes articles at intervals.
19. Randomly
Meaning: Without definite aim, reason, or pattern.
Example: He randomly selects a book to read.
20. Unpredictably
Meaning: In a way that is not able to be predicted.
Example: Her moods change unpredictably.
