sometimes done

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sometimes done" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that an action or task is performed occasionally rather than consistently. Example: "This procedure is sometimes done to ensure quality control in the manufacturing process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It's also sometimes done for estate planning purposes.

The New York Times

Self-consciously intellectual film makers such as Jean-Luc Godard have sometimes done the same.

The Economist

Distal patellar realignment procedures are sometimes done if there are patellar tracking abnormalities.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He has also sometimes done the reverse, applying dynamical systems approaches to questions in analysis.

The Guardian

More tellingly, she points out that organisations supposed to promote cycling have sometimes done the opposite.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He did not buckle or bend, as he has sometimes done.

The New York Times

It is a wonder those forces have sometimes done as well as they have.

The Guardian - Opinion

Inscriptions were sometimes done in poetic verse and with double meanings to refer only elliptically to wine.

The New York Times

Yet, notwithstanding these measures, it would be wrong, as is sometimes done, to describe Alexander II as a liberal.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It has sometimes done so with his help, notably during the city's near-bankruptcy of the 1970s.

The New York Times

The procedure generally requires no anesthetic and, using specialized radiological imaging techniques, is sometimes done on an outpatient basis.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sometimes done", ensure the context clearly explains why the action is not always performed and what triggers its occasional use. This adds clarity and prevents reader confusion.

Common error

Avoid using "sometimes done" when the action is actually performed more frequently. Overusing it can undermine the impact and provide a false sense of rarity. If the action is common, choose a different term like "often" or "frequently".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sometimes done" functions as an adverbial modifier, indicating the frequency with which an action is performed. As demonstrated in Ludwig's examples, it clarifies that an action occurs occasionally rather than consistently.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

24%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Wiki

17%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sometimes done" is a versatile phrase used to describe actions that occur occasionally, rather than as a standard practice. Ludwig AI indicates that its usage is grammatically sound and widespread across diverse contexts, notably in news, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. It's crucial to employ this phrase judiciously, ensuring that the context clarifies why the action is not always performed. Alternatives like "occasionally performed" or "from time to time" may suit different nuances, but "sometimes done" remains a clear and acceptable choice for indicating intermittent actions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

occasionally performed

Focuses on the action being carried out at intervals.

periodically executed

Emphasizes the recurring nature of the action over time.

intermittently carried out

Highlights the stops and starts in the execution of the action.

done from time to time

A more informal way of expressing occasional occurrence.

sporadically undertaken

Indicates that the action happens irregularly and infrequently.

now and then performed

Similar to 'from time to time' but slightly more emphatic.

at times executed

Directly indicates that the execution occurs only on certain occasions.

on occasion carried out

Emphasizes that the action is conditional and not routine.

infrequently implemented

Stresses the low frequency of the action's implementation.

selectively applied

Suggests that the action is only used in specific instances or situations.

FAQs

How can I rephrase the sentence "This task is sometimes done by the intern"?

You could say "The intern "occasionally performs" this task" or "This task is "periodically executed" by the intern depending on the workload".

What does "sometimes done" mean in a scientific context?

In a scientific context, "sometimes done" typically implies that a specific procedure or step is not always necessary or may only be applicable under certain experimental conditions. For example, "This calibration is "sometimes done" by the author of the source reference and can be reported with or without the uncorrected C14 date."

Is it grammatically correct to use "sometimes done" in formal writing?

Yes, "sometimes done" is grammatically correct and appropriate for formal writing. It's suitable as long as the context clearly explains why the action isn't consistently performed.

What are some common alternatives to "sometimes done" that maintain a similar meaning?

Alternatives include "occasionally performed", "done "from time to time"", ""periodically executed"", or "intermittently carried out". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.