at times

USAGE SUMMARY

"at times" is a valid expression in written English.
It can be used when talking about something that happens intermittently, or occasionally. For example: "At times, I find it difficult to stay focused on my work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

At times, sure".

The New York Times - Sports

"At times," she said.

The New York Times

At times, no doubt.

The New York Times

"At times, very wrong".

The New York Times

At times it's overwhelming".

The New York Times

(Laughs) Maybe at times.

The New York Times

Ugly at times?

The New York Times - Sports

At times, things happen.

The New York Times - Sports

At times, reading here.

The New Yorker

At times, he has.

The New York Times

Uncomfortably, at times.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at times" to indicate that something happens occasionally or intermittently, but not regularly. This phrase adds a nuanced sense of frequency to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "at times" too frequently in a single paragraph. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language with synonyms like "occasionally", "sometimes", or "from time to time" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at times" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate when an action or state occurs. As Ludwig AI confirms, it conveys the idea of something happening occasionally or intermittently.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

1%

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at times" is a common and grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to express that something occurs occasionally or intermittently. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While alternatives like "sometimes" or "occasionally" exist, "at times" provides a nuanced way to express frequency. It's important to use it judiciously to avoid redundancy and to maintain clarity in writing. The high source quality and expert rating further validate its reliability and acceptability in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Occasionally

This is a single-word adverb that directly replaces "at times" to convey the same meaning of happening sometimes.

Sometimes

This is a common synonym for "at times", indicating that something happens in some instances but not always.

From time to time

This phrase provides a slightly more descriptive alternative, emphasizing the intermittent nature of the occurrence.

Now and then

Similar to "from time to time", this phrase suggests that something happens periodically but not frequently.

On occasion

This phrase is a more formal alternative to "at times", suitable for more professional contexts.

Every so often

This phrase implies that something happens at irregular intervals.

Once in a while

This suggests that something happens infrequently.

Periodically

This word indicates that something recurs at intervals, which may or may not be regular.

Intermittently

This emphasizes the stopping and starting nature of the occurrence.

On occasions

Plural form of "on occasion", this phrase shares a similar meaning and is a bit more emphatic.

FAQs

How can I use "at times" in a sentence?

You can use "at times" to indicate that something happens occasionally. For example, "I feel lonely "at times", but then somebody phones and I cheer up again."

What are some alternatives to "at times"?

Some alternatives to "at times" include "occasionally", "sometimes", or "from time to time", depending on the context.

Is it better to use "at times" or "sometimes"?

Both "at times" and "sometimes" are correct and often interchangeable. "At times" might sound slightly more formal or literary, but the choice depends on the specific context and your desired tone.

What is the difference between "at times" and "on occasion"?

"At times" and "on occasion" are quite similar, both indicating something that happens occasionally. "On occasion" can sometimes imply a slightly more formal setting or a specific event, while "at times" is more general.