now and then

now and then — idiom

1. sometimes, but not in a regular or frequent way

1.idiomB1
Definition

sometimes, but not in a regular or frequent way

Example

Chidi still calls his old school friends now and then to hear how they are.

idiom used as adverbial phrase meaning occasionally

Rafael treats himself to a fancy dinner now and then, but mostly eats at home.

Common collocations
  • now and then
  • every now and then
Synonyms
Antonyms
  • always

    opposite frequency — all the time, without exception

  • never

    opposite frequency — not at any time

Grammar Patterns

now and then (as adverbial)

Usage Note

Often interchangeable with 'every now and then' or 'now and again', which carry the same meaning. Slightly more informal than the single adverb 'occasionally'.

Common Mistakes

I go to the gym now and then every day.
I go to the gym now and then.
'now and then' contradicts 'every day'; use one or the other.

Synonym discussion

Sense: idiom/1

All three express the same basic idea of something happening sometimes but not regularly. 'Occasionally' is the most neutral and formal of the group — it fits naturally in academic writing, news reports, and everyday speech. 'From time to time' sits between formal and informal; it is common in both written and spoken English but sounds slightly more deliberate than 'occasionally'. 'Every now and then' (or its variant 'now and then') is the most informal and conversational, often used when the speaker wants to sound natural and unforced. For example: 'The committee meets occasionally to review policy changes' (suitable for a formal report) vs 'We grab a beer together every now and then' (casual conversation). In many contexts the three are interchangeable, but choosing the right one can adjust the tone of the sentence.

occasionally ↗from time to time ↗every now and then ↗

Etymology

Old EnglishMiddle EnglishEnglish

A fixed adverbial phrase formed by pairing the contrasting time words 'now' (the present moment) and 'then' (another time). This pairing of temporal opposites to express irregular frequency has been in English since at least the 16th century. Similar constructions exist in other Germanic languages.

First known use

15th century

15th century, in the meaning defined above