every now and then
every now and then — idiom
1. happening at irregular or widely spaced moments, not following a fixed schedule
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.
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.
After retiring, Dr. Okafor visits the hospital every now and then to see old colleagues.
Every now and then, Mert browses through old photo albums to remember his childhood.
Sumin checks her email every now and then on weekends for urgent messages.
- occasionally
more formal and can be used in any register
- from time to time
same register, slightly more deliberate tone
- every so often
slightly more informal and conversational
- once in a while
similar register, emphasises the long gaps between occurrences
- 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
文法句型
every now and then + [clause]
[clause] + every now and then
用法筆記
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.