Sometimes

USAGE SUMMARY

"sometimes" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to suggest that an event or situation occurs occasionally, but not regularly or often. For example: "Sometimes I stay up late to watch my favorite show."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I met a man who sometimes lets me sleep at his house but I have to wait outside for him to come home at 10 or 11pm and I get very cold.

The Guardian

"I'm in a successful TV show in a kind of leading man way and it can sometimes feel like your art is being put to one side for your sex appeal.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Sometimes I don't even notice I'm doing it.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Sometimes it works.

The New York Times

He does smile sometimes.

The Guardian - Sport

But he added: "Sometimes parts of the Conservative party move but they move more slowly, or a few paces behind the centre of gravity of social attitudes which have changed and will probably continue to change in ways that it is hard to predict.

The Guardian

He told the BBC's Andrew Marr show: "Sometimes I get the impression that people are waiting for an accident so that they can really focus [on] avoiding a bigger disaster.

The Guardian - Business

And they were passed from man to man - sometimes on a daily basis.

BBC

I sometimes wear skirts and dresses – but they're funky rather than feminine.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Even perfectly ordinary trousers and tops can sometimes look odd because short people aren't just inflicted with short legs; we're short all over.

The Guardian - Travel

When school groups come, it is sometimes half full.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sometimes" to indicate that an event occurs on some occasions, but not regularly. Be mindful of the context to ensure it accurately reflects the frequency you intend to convey.

Common error

Avoid using "sometimes" when you mean "rarely" or "frequently". "Sometimes" implies a moderate degree of occurrence, so choose a more precise adverb if the event is much more or less common.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "sometimes" modifies verbs, indicating the frequency with which an action occurs. It suggests that an action happens on certain occasions but not regularly. Ludwig examples illustrate this by showing how "sometimes" is used to qualify various actions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Lifestyle

21%

Sport

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

11%

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sometimes" is a versatile adverb used to indicate that an event occurs on some occasions but not regularly. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts. It is particularly prevalent in News & Media, Lifestyle, and Sports reporting. When writing, ensure that "sometimes" accurately reflects the intended frequency, and consider using more precise alternatives when greater clarity is needed. By understanding its appropriate contexts and potential alternatives, you can effectively convey the intended meaning in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Occasionally

Indicates a slightly more formal tone and implies a less frequent occurrence than "sometimes".

At times

Emphasizes specific instances or moments when something happens, rather than a general tendency.

From time to time

Suggests a sporadic and irregular occurrence, often spaced out over longer periods.

Now and then

Implies a casual and infrequent occurrence, similar to "sometimes" but often used in informal contexts.

On occasion

More formal and emphasizes specific instances or events, rather than a habitual pattern.

Every so often

Suggests a slightly unpredictable but recurring pattern of occurrence.

Once in a while

Similar to "now and then" but can imply a slightly longer interval between occurrences.

Periodically

Indicates occurrences at regular intervals, though not necessarily frequently.

Infrequently

Directly conveys the rarity of the occurrence, rather than just its possibility.

Sporadically

Suggests irregular and scattered occurrences, often without a predictable pattern.

FAQs

How can I use "sometimes" in a sentence?

"Sometimes" is used to indicate that something happens occasionally. For example, "Sometimes I like to go for a walk in the park."

What are some alternatives to "sometimes"?

You can use alternatives like "occasionally", "at times", or "from time to time" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "sometimes" and "always"?

"Sometimes" indicates that something happens on some occasions but not all, while "always" means that something happens every time.

When is it appropriate to use "sometimes" in formal writing?

"Sometimes" is generally acceptable in formal writing, but using more precise adverbs like "occasionally" or "periodically" can enhance clarity and specificity.