every now and then

Idioms  

1. Also, every now and again; every once in a while; every so often. Occasionally, from time to time; also, periodically. For example, Every now and then I long for a piece of chocolate, or We take long walks every now and again, or Every once in a while he'll call, or Every so often she washes the car. The first term dates from the first half of the 1700s, the last from the mid-1900s. Also see from time to time; once in a while.

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

every now and then

So I brought a soccer ball to set a lot, and just whatever space we’re in, we just kick a ball to each other every now and then.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 9, 2026

"We keep in touch every now and then," the WHO chief told reporters.

From Barron's ● Apr. 29, 2026

He says he went from being a teenager who used steroid creams to manage his eczema "every now and then", to experiencing such horrific symptoms he had to drop out of university.

From BBC ● Mar. 28, 2026

It needs only to “get lucky” every now and then to undermine the resolve and weaken the defense of the stronger party.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 23, 2026

"Step up, step up, step up," Jay chimes in every now and then.

From "Born Behind Bars" by Padma Venkatraman

Related Words

• every so often
• now and again
• now and then