time or two

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "time or two" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to refer to an occurrence that happened a small number of times, usually two or sometimes three. For example, "She had mentioned the idea a time or two before, so I decided to give it a try."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But it has been done a time or two.

The Guardian - Sport

I was honored to hear him a time or two.

The New Yorker

Look for Mr. Stewart to cross the line to good effect a time or two.

The New York Times

I have a feeling he's pitched with this maybe a time or two".

The New York Times - Sports

"The first time or two at least, when you're not used to it.

The New Yorker

She came here and we apparently saw each other a time or two?" "That's right.

The New Yorker

A time Or two had my lights knocked out, my knee socks knocked off, But soft.

The New Yorker

And of course the name Elway might have crept into the conversation a time or two.

The New York Times - Sports

We e-mailed another time or two, but the letter I remember came two Christmases ago.

The New York Times - Style

He had me laughing a time or two at the sheer brazenness of the schemes.

The New York Times

In the passing game, Ryan Tannehill exhibited good raw arm talent a time or two.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "time or two" to indicate a small, indefinite number of occurrences, typically two or three. It's suitable for informal contexts where precision isn't crucial.

Common error

Avoid using "time or two" in formal or academic writing where precise numbers or specific instances are expected. Opt for more formal alternatives like "on a few occasions" or specifying the exact number if known.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "time or two" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb by indicating frequency. It specifies that an action has occurred on a small number of occasions. Examples from Ludwig show it modifying verbs in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "time or two" is a common and acceptable way to express that something has occurred a small number of times. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used in informal contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it is advisable to use more precise language in formal writing. For alternative expressions, consider using "a couple of times" or "a few times". Remember to adjust your language depending on the level of formality required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a couple of times

Specifies two instances, closely aligning with the 'two' in the original phrase.

a few times

Indicates a small, indefinite number of occurrences, slightly less specific than "time or two".

on a couple of occasions

Replaces "time" with "occasion", adding a touch of formality but retaining the core meaning.

once or twice

Highlights the uncertainty, suggesting it could be one or two instances.

several times

Indicates more than two but still a limited number of occurrences.

a handful of times

Emphasizes a small quantity of occurrences that can be counted easily.

every now and then

Indicates infrequent, occasional occurrences.

from time to time

Implies occasional occurrences, spread out over a period.

on occasion

Suggests that something happens sometimes but not regularly.

at times

Indicates that something happens sometimes, without specifying frequency.

FAQs

How can I use "time or two" in a sentence?

Use "time or two" to indicate something has happened a few times. For example, "I've seen that movie a "time or two"" suggests you've watched the movie twice or perhaps three times.

What's a good substitute for "time or two"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "a couple of times", "a few times", or "once or twice".

Is it appropriate to use "time or two" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "time or two" is generally better suited for informal contexts. In formal writing, consider more precise alternatives like "on several occasions" or specifying the exact number of instances.

What does "time or two" actually mean?

"Time or two" means a small number of times, usually around two or three. It implies an approximate count rather than a precise one.