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

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

From Barron's • Apr. 29, 2026

But every now and then, a company—often led by founders with unusual conviction—simply grows out of reach.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 28, 2026

“If you want to fit oversized burgers into your healthy eating plan, enjoy them every now and then, and make sure to pair them with other good choices,” she said.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 30, 2026

And every now and then, I might find a little bop, a little sundress, a little something to throw on, drop the things back off and then head down into the city.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 31, 2025

This cut out the shaking altogether, though Malevolent continued to shriek furiously every now and then.

From "Half Upon a Time" by James Riley

Related Words

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