but from time to time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but from time to time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something happens occasionally or intermittently. Example: "I enjoy going for a walk, but from time to time, I prefer to stay indoors and read a book."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

His politics really aren't my politics, but from time to time a paycheck is a paycheck".

The New York Times

"I was pretty compulsively keeping it, but from time to time I would purge.

The New Yorker

But, from time to time, he wonders about reaching a larger audience.

The New Yorker

I was not on their A-list, but from time to time I'd be invited.

The Guardian - Arts

With depressing regularity under this government but from time to time under all governments.

The Guardian - Opinion

But from time to time, doors open, and out comes molten political fury.

The Guardian

It's a delicate operation, but from time to time it does actually work.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But from time to time, I am still haunted by it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But from time to time, he backslides; the old life reclaims him.

The Guardian - Film

But from time to time she has nightmares set off by Sept. 11.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

But from time to time Barbadians like to shake up the political scene.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but from time to time" to introduce an exception or contrast to a preceding statement, indicating that while something is generally true, there are occasional deviations.

Common error

While "but from time to time" is grammatically correct, avoid using it excessively in your writing. Vary your sentence structure with alternatives like "occasionally" or "sometimes" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but from time to time" functions as an adverbial phrase. It modifies a clause by indicating how frequently an event occurs, typically introducing an exception or contrast to a preceding statement. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but from time to time" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to indicate occasional or intermittent occurrences, often as a contrast to a preceding statement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. It is considered neutral in register, making it suitable for various contexts, including news, science, and business. While highly useful, remember to vary your language with synonyms like "occasionally" or "sometimes" to avoid overuse. With a high expert rating, this phrase is a valuable addition to your writing toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

from time to time

Omitting the conjunction 'but', focusing solely on the intermittent nature.

now and then

An idiomatic expression that emphasizes the sporadic nature of the event.

every so often

Similar to "now and then" but possibly implying slightly more regularity.

once in a while

Emphasizes the rarity and unexpectedness of the event.

sometimes

A more common and slightly less formal alternative, indicating that something happens now and then.

at times

A simpler alternative that directly indicates that something happens during certain moments.

occasionally

A single-word adverb that directly replaces the entire phrase, focusing on the infrequency.

on occasion

Highlights the occurrence as a specific instance or event.

at intervals

Focuses on the separation in time between occurrences, suggesting a more measured or predictable pattern.

periodically

Suggests a more regular, though not necessarily frequent, recurrence.

FAQs

How can I use "but from time to time" in a sentence?

Use "but from time to time" to introduce a contrasting element that occurs occasionally. For example, "I usually enjoy exercising, but from time to time, I prefer to relax at home".

What phrases are similar to "but from time to time"?

Similar phrases include "occasionally", "sometimes", or "now and then". Each carries a slightly different nuance but conveys the idea of something happening intermittently.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "but from time to time"?

While starting a sentence with "but" is sometimes discouraged, using "but from time to time" to begin a sentence is acceptable when you want to create a clear contrast with a previous idea. However, ensure it enhances readability and doesn't sound awkward.

What's the difference between "but from time to time" and "from time to time"?

"From time to time" indicates occasional occurrence, while "but from time to time" introduces a contrast or exception to a general statement. The presence of "but" signals a shift in focus or an unexpected deviation.