You ever feel like you’re always saying the word “sometimes”? Yeah, me too. It’s like our go-to when we don’t want to be too specific. But here's the thing: there are so many other fun and cool words that mean the same thing! If you're writing something or just trying to sound a little more interesting when you talk, knowing different ways to say “sometimes” can help a lot.
1. Occasionally
This word means something doesn't happen all the time, just now and then. It's not regular, but it still happens. Occasionally, I like to eat ice cream for breakfast. It's not a habit, just a fun surprise! You can use this word when something happens once in a while. Like, I occasionally visit my grandparents. It feels casual and easy. It's great for talking about little things that pop up in your life. You might say, Occasionally, I skip my morning workout. It's a fancy way of saying “sometimes,” but still easy to understand.
2. At times
This phrase means the same thing as “sometimes.” It talks about things that happen every now and then. For example, At times, I feel like a superhero when I finish all my chores. It's fun, right? Or you could say, At times, my dog acts like a cat. This phrase is great for adding a little drama or emotion to what you’re saying. At times, life can be a little confusing. It's not too formal, so you can use it in everyday talking or writing.
3. Every now and then
This one feels very natural and relaxed. It's something you'd hear in a friendly chat. It means something happens from time to time. Every now and then, I treat myself to a new book. It makes life feel special. You can say, Every now and then, we have pizza night. It's a great way to show that something isn't regular, but still happens. I go for a walk every now and then, just to clear my mind. It's a cozy and simple phrase everyone understands.
4. From time to time
Just like “every now and then,” this one means not very often, but it still happens. It's a calm and easy way to say “sometimes.” From time to time, I binge-watch cartoons. You don't do it every day, but it does happen. From time to time, I clean my closet. It helps you sound more casual but still clear. You can also say, From time to time, I forget to reply to texts. It's friendly, and people get exactly what you mean.
5. On occasion
This one is short and sweet. It means something doesn't happen a lot, just once in a while. On occasion, I wake up before my alarm. It's kind of cool when that happens! You might also say, On occasion, we go out for breakfast. It sounds a bit more fancy but still simple. I skip lunch on occasion when I’m super busy. It's a clean way to say “sometimes” without overthinking it. Perfect for short and neat sentences.
6. Infrequently
This word is a little more formal, but still pretty easy. It means not often. I infrequently watch the news. It's not a habit, just once in a while. Infrequently, I take a different route home. It's a cool word when you want to sound a little smarter. I infrequently check my old social media accounts. It fits well when something doesn't happen much, but you don't want to say “never.”
7. Sporadically
This word means something happens randomly or without a clear pattern. It's kind of like surprise moments. Sporadically, I get the urge to bake cookies. It just hits you out of nowhere. Sporadically, I clean the whole house. It's not planned. This word is fun when talking about things that aren't scheduled. Sporadically, I get creative ideas at 3 AM. It's a neat word for describing odd timing.
8. Here and there
This phrase means things are scattered, both in time and maybe even in space. Here and there, I find old photos in my books. It adds a bit of mystery or randomness. Here and there, I join my friends for a game night. It's fun and casual. You could say, Here and there, I try new foods. It works best when talking about little things that don't happen too much.
9. Once in a while
It's another simple and friendly way to say “sometimes.” It feels like something your grandma might say, in a sweet way. Once in a while, I watch old cartoons. It brings back good memories. Once in a while, we go on a road trip. It's a lovely phrase for rare but happy events. Once in a while, I take a nap in the afternoon. Easy and nice.
10. Not often
This is a very plain and clear way to say “sometimes.” It means something doesn't happen regularly. I don't eat candy, not often anyway. You could also say, Not often do I skip breakfast. It shows that something rare still happens. I go shopping, but not often. This phrase is short, honest, and simple. Anyone can use it and it makes sense.
11. Rarely
This word means something happens, but very little. It's not the same as “never.” I rarely get up before 7 AM. It's a good way to sound calm and serious. Rarely do I go to the movies. It sounds strong without sounding rude. Rarely, I forget my keys. Great for moments that hardly happen.
12. Off and on
This means things happen in breaks, not all at once. Off and on, I talk to my old school friends. Not daily, but still there. Off and on, I try to eat healthier. This phrase works when things come and go. Off and on, I work on my novel. Perfect for slow projects.
13. Intermittently
This word is longer, but useful. It means something stops and starts again. The internet works intermittently during storms. It's good for tech talk too. I feel motivated intermittently. It's not a steady feeling. Intermittently, I go through old photo albums. Fancy, but easy with practice.
14. Periodically
This means something happens in regular spaces of time, but not daily. I get a check-up periodically. It could be every six months. Periodically, I clean out my inbox. It's a habit, but not frequent. Periodically, I go jogging. It fits routines that don't happen often.
15. On and off
Very similar to “off and on.” You can switch them. On and off, I take painting classes. It's like a light switch. On and off, I read mystery novels. It shows that something isn't constant. On and off, I use social media. Simple and casual.
16. Now and then
It means once in a while. Very easy and fun. Now and then, I dance in my room. It sounds happy. Now and then, I go to the beach. It's great for light-hearted talk. Now and then, I make breakfast for dinner. Everyone understands this phrase.
17. Scarcely
This means something almost never happens. It's a bit old-fashioned but strong. I scarcely go to the mall these days. Or, Scarcely do I eat fast food. It feels serious. Scarcely, I take a day off. It's like saying very, very rare.
18. Fitfully
It means something happens in a restless or broken way. I sleep fitfully when I’m stressed. It's useful for talking about sleep or emotions. Fitfully, I work on big projects. It shows ups and downs. Fitfully, I stay focused. Not steady, but still happening.
19. Unevenly
This means something happens without a smooth or regular pattern. I exercise unevenly throughout the month. It's good for habits. Unevenly, I reply to emails. It shows inconsistency. Unevenly, I stay organized. This word works when things go up and down.
I hope this list helped you find better ways to say “sometimes” in your daily talk or writing. Using new words can make your thoughts clearer and more fun. It also keeps things fresh and interesting! Try using a few of these in your texts or notes this week. You’ll sound more natural and confident.