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

still once in a while

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE 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

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Still, once in a while, college sports retain the capacity to shock.

Still, "once in a while we might shorten oar for a guy who's not as big as the others".

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".

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

I still drink once in a while.

News & Media

The Guardian

Still, every once in a while, it's a zebra.

Still, every once in a while we should step back and consider the awesomeness of the situation.

News & Media

The New York Times

Still, every once in a while, I get out on the ice and play goalie, even at my advanced age of 49.

News & Media

The New York Times

"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

The New Yorker

Not to say bad things won't still happen once in a while.

News & Media

Huffington Post

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

Vice

"I still receive leads once in a while regarding the case and there are still active warrants," said Mr Dyke says.

News & Media

BBC
Show more...

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".

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

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

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.

Expression frequency: Common

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.

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.

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

86%

Authority and reliability

4.5/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: