2
general::
sometimes
on some occasions but not always:
• Sometimes, I wish I was still living in Tokyo. • He sometimes plays football with my brother.
occasionally
( also on occasion written ) used about something that only happens a few times. Occasionally is used when something happens more rarely than sometimes:
• I prefer trousers but I do wear skirts occasionally. • Occasionally, operations have to be cancelled. • On occasion, prisoners were allowed visits from their families.
(every) now and then/again
( also from time to time ) sometimes but not often or regularly:
• We still call each other every now and then. • Every now and again, an invention comes along which changes people's lives completely. • Even experienced doctors make mistakes from time to time.
every so often
sometimes at fairly regular periods:
• He looked up from his book every so often. • Every so often, a train whizzed past.
at times
if something happens at times, it happens sometimes but is not what usually happens:
• The job can be frustrating at times. • At times I've wondered whether I made the right decision in moving here.
(every) once in a while
sometimes but very rarely:
• We only see each other every once in a while.
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