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

Yet every now and then the Strokes, who absolutely ripped at Coachella in April, lock into a groove with the springy precision that’s been the band’s signature since the beginning.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 27, 2026

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

“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 that was true, then if Cora picked a day for her birthday every now and then she might hit upon hers as well.

From "The Underground Railroad: A Novel" by Colson Whitehead

Related Words

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