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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
still once in a while
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "still once in a while" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something happens occasionally, despite the expectation that it might not occur anymore. Example: "I don't go to the gym regularly, but I still once in a while make an effort to stay active."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Alternative expressions(5)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
3 human-written examples
Still, once in a while, college sports retain the capacity to shock.
News & Media
Still, "once in a while we might shorten oar for a guy who's not as big as the others".
News & Media
Similarly, William Whitebait in the New Statesman, who found the film to be "better than either War of the Worlds or Them!", also called for "a couple of cheers for the reassurance that British films can still, once in a while, come quick".
Wiki
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
57 human-written examples
I still drink once in a while.
News & Media
Still, every once in a while, it's a zebra.
News & Media
Still, every once in a while we should step back and consider the awesomeness of the situation.
News & Media
Still, every once in a while, I get out on the ice and play goalie, even at my advanced age of 49.
News & Media
"Everybody makes fun of me for the 'thrill up the leg,' " he says now. "I've got to tell you something: it still works, once in a while — when he talks about our country, when he talks about race".
News & Media
Not to say bad things won't still happen once in a while.
News & Media
Well, when I used to frequent them fog-fueled goth nights on the weekly – OK, so I still go once in a while – two of those songs were 80s cold wave band Eleven Pond's "Watching Trees" and "Portugal".
News & Media
"I still receive leads once in a while regarding the case and there are still active warrants," said Mr Dyke says.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "still once in a while" to indicate a recurring action or state that might be surprising or less frequent than before. It adds a layer of nuance to your writing, suggesting persistence amidst change. For instance: "She doesn't work here anymore, but she still visits once in a while."
Common error
While versatile, "still once in a while" leans towards informal or neutral registers. Avoid using it excessively in highly formal writing where more precise or sophisticated alternatives would be more suitable. Consider options like "nevertheless, occasionally" or "despite this, sporadically".
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "still once in a while" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate frequency. It specifies that an action or state occurs intermittently, even after a change or expectation that it might no longer happen. Ludwig AI confirms the acceptability of this construction.
Frequent in
News & Media
65%
Wiki
20%
Science
15%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "still once in a while" is a grammatically sound adverbial phrase used to express that something occurs occasionally, even after a change or expectation that it might not. Ludwig AI confirms this. Its register is generally neutral, making it suitable for diverse contexts, although it may be less appropriate for highly formal writing. The phrase sees frequent use in news and media, adding a layer of nuance by suggesting persistence amidst change. When writing, consider the subtle implication of continued action despite circumstances, and be mindful of the register when choosing alternatives for greater formality.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
yet occasionally
Emphasizes the contrast between a previous state or expectation and the occasional occurrence.
but sometimes still
Highlights the persistence of something despite potential changes or cessation.
even now and then
Focuses on the intermittent nature of the occurrence, even in the present circumstances.
even so, sometimes
Acknowledges a preceding condition but introduces the possibility of occasional instances.
notwithstanding, occasionally
Formally concedes a point but then introduces the idea of sporadic exceptions.
however, from time to time
Indicates a contrast with a previous statement while introducing the concept of periodic events.
all the same, sometimes
Suggests that despite a potential obstacle, an event still occurs intermittently.
nevertheless, on occasion
Formally introduces an exception or infrequent occurrence following a preceding statement.
but on certain occasions
Draws attention to specific instances where something still happens.
though infrequently now
Acknowledges a decrease in frequency but confirms that the event still occurs.
FAQs
How can I use "still once in a while" in a sentence?
Use "still once in a while" to show that something happens occasionally, despite a change or expectation. For example, "Even though he retired, he "still visits once in a while"".
What are some alternatives to "still once in a while"?
Alternatives include "occasionally", "from time to time", or "every now and then". Choose the phrase that best fits the context and level of formality you're aiming for.
Is it correct to say "still once in a while"?
Yes, "still once in a while" is grammatically correct and commonly used, although it's important to consider the context. It indicates that something continues to happen, even if infrequently.
What's the difference between "still once in a while" and "occasionally"?
"Occasionally" simply means 'sometimes'. "Still once in a while" implies that something continues to happen despite circumstances that might suggest it would stop. The inclusion of "still" emphasizes the element of continuation.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested