every now and then

IPA/ˈɛvɹɪ nˈaʊ and ðˈɛn/
IPA/ˈɛvɹi nˈaʊ ænd ðˈɛn/

every now and then — idiom

1. happening at irregular or widely spaced moments, not following a fixed schedule

1.idiomB1
Definition

happening at irregular or widely spaced moments, not following a fixed schedule or routine — for example, visiting a friend once every few months, or checking a news site when you remember to.

Example

Mira still calls her college roommate every now and then to chat about old times.

every now and then at end of main clause

The Watanabe family eats out every now and then, usually on special occasions.

Common collocations
  • every now and then + still
  • every now and then + check / visit / call / go back to
  • every now and then + remember / think about
Synonyms
Antonyms
  • all the time

    implies high frequency or constant action

  • constantly

    suggests no breaks or interruptions

  • regularly

    implies a fixed schedule, the opposite of irregular intervals

Grammar Patterns

every now and then + [clause]

[clause] + every now and then

Usage Note

The phrase is fixed — do not change the word order or replace any part (❌ 'every sometimes and then'). It is slightly more informal than 'occasionally' but less casual than 'every so often'. Frequently paired with time markers like 'still' or 'even now' to contrast with a past habit.

Common Mistakes

Every now and then I am going to the gym.
Every now and then I go to the gym.
Use simple present or present perfect for recurring actions, not present continuous.
I visit my grandmother every now and then in the weekends.
I visit my grandmother every now and then on weekends.
The phrase already conveys irregularity; adding 'every' to 'weekends' creates a contradiction.

Synonym discussion

Sense: idiom/1

All four phrases describe actions that happen at irregular, widely-spaced moments. 'Occasionally' is the most neutral and can be used in formal writing or casual speech. 'From time to time' carries a slightly deliberate, reflective tone — suitable for describing habits one consciously maintains. 'Every so often' feels more conversational and often describes spontaneous or unplanned occurrences. 'Once in a while' emphasises the length of the gap between events ('once in a while I treat myself to a good steak'). 'Every now and then' is closest to 'every so often' in register but is slightly more common in spoken English and pairs naturally with words like 'still' or 'even now' to contrast a current behaviour with a past one.

occasionally ↗from time to time ↗every so often ↗once in a while ↗

Etymology

English

This phrase is built on the older adverb 'now and then' (recorded since the 1500s), where 'now' stands for 'at one time' and 'then' for 'at another time'. Adding 'every' before 'now and then' (first seen in the 1700s) strengthens the sense that each occurrence is a separate, isolated moment. The pattern 'every X and Y' for frequency is unique to English and gives the phrase its rhythmic, conversational feel.