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

I really mostly went to the director and every now and then I might throw a little something his way.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 2, 2026

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

From Barron's ● Apr. 29, 2026

“I know I’m pretty good at times, but you know, a bit of luck every now and then is helpful, too.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 12, 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

Robin settled on the sofa with a book, throwing Ivy a wink or a smile every now and then while Ivy and June sat cross-legged on one of the hotel beds.

From "Ivy Aberdeen’s Letter to the World" by Ashley Herring Blake

Related Words

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