Used and loved by millions

Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

MitStanfordHarvardAustralian Nationa UniversityNanyangOxford

over once in a while

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "over once in a while" is not correct in English.
The correct expression is "every once in a while," which is used to indicate something that happens occasionally or infrequently. Example: "I like to go hiking every once in a while to enjoy nature and get some exercise."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Who doesn't like to be fought over, once in a while?

News & Media

The New Yorker

You could watch porn for weeks and see the same repertoire of actions, the identical durations, the same outcomes, over and over; once in a while somebody mixes in a gourd or dresses as a nun, but the basic template is fixed.

News & Media

The New Yorker

It can be a tremendous help to have a grandparent or another family member take over once in a while to give you a break -- or even just to let you nap, he says.

Science & Research

Science Magazine

Turn it over once in a while, so that the salad will remain mixed well.

They'll keep bugging you to hang out for a while, so you might as well allow them to come over once in a while.

You were careful in your selection of partners (hopefully) and you kept your standards high, so let your partner know that you continue to admire them by looking them over once in a while, appreciatively.

Show more...

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Submit them once-in-a-while.

Fry the meatballs for seven to eight minutes, turning them over every once in a while, until they're golden brown all over.

And he's right: while I think it's OK to spend most of my time on this blog working within the limits of the politically possible, and relying on a combination of reason and ridicule to push out those limits over time, once in a while I should just flatly state what I would do if given a chance.

News & Media

The New York Times

It's like the reason there are fewer food choices in supermarkets on St. Croix (where we spent our last vacation) than in New Jersey — there's just one boat with groceries coming over every once in a while, so you can't keep, um, arugula in stock.

News & Media

The New York Times

When the eggs have been laid, flip them over every once in a while once you have put them in the incubator.

Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the correct and widely accepted form, "once in a while", to ensure clarity and credibility in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "over" before "once in a while"; the correct phrase is simply "once in a while".

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

83%

Authority and reliability

2.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "over once in a while" is intended to function as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb by indicating frequency. However, it's not considered grammatically correct, as Ludwig AI also indicates.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Wiki

43%

News & Media

43%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "over once in a while" appears in various contexts, particularly in Wiki and News & Media sources, it is considered grammatically incorrect. As Ludwig AI confirms, the correct form is "once in a while". It's crucial to use the accurate phrasing to ensure clarity and credibility in your writing. Alternatives such as "occasionally" or "from time to time" can also effectively convey the intended meaning.

FAQs

What's the correct way to say something happens sometimes?

The correct way is to say "once in a while" instead of "over once in a while".

Is "over once in a while" grammatically correct?

No, "over once in a while" is not grammatically correct. The correct phrase is "once in a while".

What are some alternatives to saying something happens occasionally?

You can use alternatives like "occasionally", "from time to time", or "every now and then".

How can I avoid mistakes with the phrase "once in a while"?

Always remember that the correct phrasing is "once in a while" without the addition of "over" before it.

ChatGPT power + Grammarly precisionChatGPT power + Grammarly precision
ChatGPT + Grammarly

Editing plus AI, all in one place.

Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.

Source & Trust

83%

Authority and reliability

2.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: