Dictionary monolingual
English
Sometimes
ˈsəmˌtaɪmz
Extremely common
500 - 600
500 - 600
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
Sometimes -
At times; on certain occasions but not always
Example: Sometimes I go for a run in the morning, but other times I prefer to sleep in.
Usage: informalContext: casual conversations, daily routines
Note: One of the most common uses of 'sometimes' to indicate occasional actions or behaviors.
Occasionally; now and then
Example: She sometimes brings her dog to the office.
Usage: formal/informalContext: work environments, social gatherings
Note: Used to express actions that happen from time to time, not regularly.
At certain moments; periodically
Example: The sun sometimes shines through the clouds on a rainy day.
Usage: formalContext: descriptive writing, scientific explanations
Note: Can be used in more formal contexts to describe intermittent occurrences.
Sometimes's synonyms
Occasionally
Occasionally means happening from time to time, not regularly or frequently. It implies less frequency than sometimes.
Example: I occasionally go for a run in the morning.
Note: Occasionally implies a slightly lower frequency than sometimes.
Sometimes expressions, common phrases
Every now and then
This phrase means occasionally or sometimes, but not regularly.
Example: Every now and then, I like to treat myself to a nice dinner.
Note: Similar to 'sometimes,' but with a slightly more specific frequency.
On occasion
This phrase means at times or sometimes, without a fixed pattern.
Example: On occasion, I enjoy going for a hike in the mountains.
Note: Suggests a less frequent occurrence compared to 'sometimes.'
From time to time
This phrase means occasionally or periodically.
Example: From time to time, I like to try new hobbies.
Note: Similar to 'sometimes,' but with a hint of regularity.
Now and again
This phrase means occasionally or every so often.
Example: Now and again, I treat myself to a shopping spree.
Note: Similar to 'sometimes,' but with a sense of infrequency.
At times
This phrase means occasionally or sometimes.
Example: At times, I find it hard to focus on my work.
Note: Essentially synonymous with 'sometimes.'
Once in a while
This phrase means occasionally or infrequently.
Example: I like to go camping in the mountains once in a while.
Note: Implies a less frequent occurrence compared to 'sometimes.'
Off and on
This phrase means intermittently or occasionally.
Example: I've been working on my novel off and on for the past year.
Note: Suggests a sporadic pattern of occurrence, similar to 'sometimes.'
At intervals
This phrase means occasionally or periodically.
Example: They meet at intervals to discuss their progress.
Note: Similar to 'sometimes,' but with a more structured sense of timing.
Intermittently
This phrase means at irregular intervals or occasionally.
Example: The rain fell intermittently throughout the day.
Note: Conveys a sense of irregularity similar to 'sometimes.'
Sometimes everyday (slang) expressions
On and off
This term suggests alternating between periods of activity and inactivity.
Example: I check my email on and off throughout the day.
Note: It implies a less consistent pattern compared to 'sometimes'.
Hit or miss
Refers to something being unpredictable or unreliable.
Example: The bus schedule is hit or miss, so I never know when it'll arrive.
Note: It conveys a sense of uncertainty unlike the occasional nature of 'sometimes'.
Spotty
Indicates something inconsistent or unreliable in quality or frequency.
Example: The Wi-Fi signal in this room is spotty, so my internet connection is unreliable.
Note: It emphasizes the irregular and unreliable nature more than the sporadic occurrence of 'sometimes'.
In fits and starts
Describes irregular bursts of activity followed by periods of inactivity.
Example: His work progresses in fits and starts, making it difficult to predict when he'll finish.
Note: It highlights the sporadic and unsteady nature of activity compared to 'sometimes'.
Now and then
Despite being slightly similar, this phrase is more formal than 'sometimes'.
Example: Now and then, I treat myself to a fancy dinner at a nice restaurant.
Note: It is a more refined or traditional expression compared to the casual nature of 'sometimes'.
Spur-of-the-moment
Refers to doing something suddenly or without much planning.
Example: We decided to go on a spur-of-the-moment road trip.
Note: It implies a sudden, unplanned action rather than the occasional nature of 'sometimes'.
In a blue moon
Means something happens very rarely or infrequently.
Example: I see that friend of mine in a blue moon, as she lives far away.
Note: It emphasizes the rarity of an event more than the irregular occurrence of 'sometimes'.
Sometimes - Examples
Sometimes I like to go for a walk in the park.
I sometimes forget my keys at home.
He only visits us sometimes.
Sometimes grammar
Sometimes - Adverb (Adverb) / Adverb (Adverb)
Lemma: sometimes
Conjugations
Adverb (Adverb): sometimes
Syllables, Separation and Stress
Sometimes Contains 2 syllables: some • times
Phonetic transcription: ˈsəm-ˌtīmz
some times , ˈsəm ˌtīmz (The red syllable is stressed)
Sometimes - Importance and usage frequency
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
Sometimes: 500 - 600 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.