sometimes they

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sometimes they" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a group of people or things that occasionally perform a certain action or exhibit a particular behavior. Example: "Sometimes they forget to turn off the lights when leaving the room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sometimes they would, sometimes they wouldn't.

The New Yorker

Sometimes they succeed, sometimes they fail.

The New York Times

Sometimes they ate, sometimes they did not.

The New York Times

Sometimes they resist.

The New Yorker

Sometimes they weep.

The New York Times

But sometimes they are.

The New York Times

Sometimes they move together.

The New York Times

And sometimes they "snap".

The New York Times

Sometimes they do not.

The New York Times

And sometimes they are.

The New York Times

Sometimes they come voluntarily.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "sometimes they", ensure the sentence structure clearly indicates what "they" refers to. Ambiguity can confuse the reader.

Common error

Avoid overusing "sometimes they" in close proximity, as it can make your writing repetitive. Vary your sentence structure and use different adverbs of frequency to create a more engaging and dynamic text.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sometimes they" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause. It indicates the frequency with which an action occurs. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sometimes they" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to express that an action or state occurs intermittently. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While it's a common phrase, writers should be mindful of potential ambiguity in pronoun reference and avoid overuse to maintain engaging and dynamic writing. For alternatives, you can use "at times they" or "occasionally they". Overall, "sometimes they" is a reliable phrase for indicating occasional occurrences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at times they

Replaces "sometimes" with "at times", offering a slightly more formal tone while maintaining the same meaning.

on occasion they

A slightly more formal way of saying "sometimes", suitable for professional contexts.

occasionally they

Substitutes "sometimes" with "occasionally", indicating a less frequent occurrence.

from time to time they

Replaces "sometimes" with a longer phrase, adding emphasis to the intermittent nature of the action.

periodically they

Emphasizes the cyclical or recurring nature of the actions.

every so often they

Highlights the irregular intervals at which the actions occur.

now and then they

An informal alternative to "sometimes", suggesting sporadic occurrences.

in some instances they

Shifts the focus to particular situations where the action occurs.

certain times they

Focuses on specific instances rather than general frequency.

there are times when they

Introduces a clause to specify the circumstances under which the action takes place.

FAQs

How can I use "sometimes they" in a sentence?

The phrase "sometimes they" is used to indicate that a particular action or event happens occasionally. For example: "Sometimes they forget to lock the door".

What are some alternatives to "sometimes they"?

You can use alternatives like "at times they", "occasionally they", or "from time to time they" to vary your writing.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "sometimes they"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to start a sentence with "sometimes they", as long as it is followed by a complete clause. For example: "Sometimes they arrive late, but they always do their best".

What's the difference between "sometimes they" and "always they"?

"Sometimes they" indicates that something happens occasionally, while "always they" suggests that it happens consistently or without exception. For example, "Sometimes they help with chores" versus "Always they complain about chores".