Ways to Say “Sometimes”

Ways to Say “Sometimes” in English (Adverbs of Frequency with Examples)

If you use the word sometimes a lot, you’re not alone. It’s one of the first adverbs of frequency every English learner learns… and one of the most overused. In real English — and especially in Cambridge exams (B2 First, C1 Advanced) — repeating sometimes again and again makes your speaking and writing sound flat and limited. Ways to say “sometimes”

The good news? English has many natural and expressive ways to talk about how often things happen — from not very often, to irregularly, to very frequently.

In this lesson, you will learn the most useful alternatives to “sometimes” and other frequency expressions, grouped by meaning and style, with clear explanations and natural examples.

When something happens occasionally (not very often)

Use these when something happens sometimes, but not frequently.

Occasionally (quite formal)

If something happens occasionally, it happens sometimes, but not often.

• She lives in the countryside and only comes to the city occasionally.
• I usually work from home, but I go to the office occasionally.

(Every) once in a while

If something happens (every) once in a while, it happens sometimes.

• Everyone makes a mistake once in a while.
• Every once in a while, we go out for dinner instead of cooking at home.

From time to time

If something happens from time to time, it happens sometimes and not regularly.

• Although they no longer work together, they meet from time to time.
• I can help you from time to time, but not every week.

Every so often

If something happens every so often, it happens sometimes, usually with long gaps between occasions.

• Every so often, he goes to the doctor for a check-up.
• The silence was broken every so often by a dog barking.

When something happens repeatedly but irregularly

Use these when something happens again and again, but not in a regular pattern.

Now and then / Every now and then

If something happens now and then or every now and then, it happens occasionally and irregularly.

• Now and then, she stops and looks back at old photos.
• Every now and then, he remembers the strange dream he had.

At times

At times means “sometimes”, often when talking about situations or behaviour.

• He can be very patient, but at times he loses his temper.
• The job is stressful at times, but I still enjoy it.

Off and on

If something happens off and on, it happens in intervals, not continuously.

• They’ve been dating off and on for two years.
• It’s been raining off and on all day.

When something happens many times or very often

These do not mean “sometimes”. They mean frequently or usually — but they are useful and often confused with sometimes.

More often than not (= usually)

If something happens more often than not, it usually happens.

• More often than not, he arrives early.
• She works late more often than not.

Time and time again / Time and again

If something happens time and time again, it happens many times.

• Time and time again, he made the same mistake.
• I’ve told you time and again to be careful.

Over and over (again)

If something happens over and over again, it happens very many times, often in an annoying way.

• She checked the email over and over again before sending it.
• He keeps telling the same story over and over.

A note on old-fashioned expressions

You may sometimes see: ever and anon / ever and again

These mean “from time to time”, but they are old-fashioned and rare in modern English. It’s better to use from time to time, every now and then or once in a while.

Why this matters for speaking and writing

Using different frequency expressions helps you avoid repeating sometimes, sound more natural and more advanced and be more precise in stories, essays, and opinions.

Compare:

I sometimes go to the gym. I sometimes meet friends. I sometimes cook.

With:

I go to the gym every now and then, meet friends from time to time, and occasionally cook at home.

Much better, right? 😉

Good English is not about using complicated words — it’s about using simple words in varied and flexible ways. Learning alternatives to sometimes is a small change that makes a big difference to your fluency.