not every time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not every time" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something does not happen on every occasion or instance. Example: "I enjoy going to the gym, but not every time do I feel motivated to work out."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Granted, not EVERY time rain comes in that I feel like my lower back (L4/L5 Fusions back in 2012 X 3) is in a vise, but when the pressure drops,I feel it & no amount of medicine gives relief.

Harvard University

This is not EVERY time, but a good portion of the time this is the case.

Huffington Post

The leader should be able to hit the correct locations on the electronic Nerf target almost, if not EVERY time.

WikiHow

Not every time.

The New York Times

But not every time.

The Economist

We need understanding sometimes, not every time.

The New Yorker

"Not every time you can do it".

The New York Times - Sports

Not every time but if we feel that it's right.

The Guardian

"Not every time you can hear good things.

The New York Times - Sports

It's not every time that the best team wins".

The New York Times - Sports

"I can make the hard shots, but not every time.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not every time" to accurately reflect situations where an event or action occurs frequently but not universally, avoiding overgeneralizations.

Common error

Avoid using "not every time" when you actually mean "never" or "rarely". Ensure the context reflects that the event does occur, just not consistently.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not every time" functions as an adverbial modifier, specifying that an action or event does not occur on each occasion. It provides a qualification or limitation to the frequency of something happening, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Wiki

21%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not every time" is a common and grammatically sound adverbial phrase used to indicate that something does not occur on each and every occasion. Ludwig confirms that it functions to express a lack of consistency, suitable for many contexts. While highly prevalent in News & Media, Science, and Wiki, it's important to ensure that the context accurately reflects the intended frequency and isn't mistaken for "never" or "rarely". By considering alternatives like "not always" or "not necessarily", writers can refine their expression for optimal clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not always

This alternative is a more concise and direct way of expressing that something doesn't happen on each occasion.

not each time

This alternative puts more focus on the individual instances where something may or may not occur.

not necessarily

This alternative suggests that something isn't required or guaranteed, implying it happens sometimes but not invariably.

not invariably

This alternative is a more formal way to convey that something does not always occur.

not in every instance

This alternative emphasizes that there are exceptions in certain cases or situations.

not on every occasion

This alternative is a more formal and emphatic way of saying "not every time".

it's not guaranteed

This alternative indicates that there is no certainty about an event occurring.

it doesn't always happen

This alternative is a more conversational and explanatory way of saying "not every time".

only sometimes

This alternative suggests the action occurs occasionally, but is not a regular occurrence.

it's not a given

This alternative is more idiomatic, suggesting that something is not certain or assured.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "not every time"?

You can use alternatives like "not always", "not necessarily", or "not in every instance" to express that something doesn't occur on each occasion.

Is "not every time" grammatically correct?

Yes, "not every time" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to indicate that something doesn't happen on every occasion.

What is the difference between "not every time" and "never"?

"Not every time" implies that something happens sometimes but not consistently, while "never" means that something does not happen at all.

When should I use "not every time" instead of "sometimes"?

Use "not every time" to emphasize the lack of consistency or universality of an event, while "sometimes" simply indicates that the event occurs on occasion without specifying frequency.