at times
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adverb: On some occasions; not always or regularly. It indicates that something happens sometimes, but not continuously or very often.
Usage
"At times" is used to describe an action or state that occurs intermittently. It functions as a sentence adverb, often placed at the beginning or in the middle of a clause to modify the entire statement. * It suggests irregularity and infrequency. * It is synonymous with "sometimes," "occasionally," or "now and then."
Examples
- At times, the noise from the construction site was unbearable.
- She is generally very cheerful, but at times she feels quite lonely.
- The software works well, though it can be slow at times.
Advanced Usage
- "Even at times": Used to emphasize that the occasional occurrence happens despite general expectations.
- He is a very calm person, but even at times he loses his temper.
- "Only at times": Emphasizes the rarity of the occurrence.
- The pain is constant, but relief comes only at times.
Variants and Related Words
- Occasionally (adv.): Happening from time to time.
- Sometimes (adv.): On some occasions rather than all the time.
- Now and then / Now and again (adv.): Occasionally; intermittently.
- From time to time (adv.): Occasionally; once in a while.
- Periodically (adv.): At regular intervals, though often used to mean occasionally.
Synonyms
- Occasionally
- Sometimes
- Now and then
- Once in a while
- Intermittently
- Sporadically
Antonyms
- Always
- Constantly
- Continuously
- Perpetually
- Never
Related Phrases and Idioms
- Every now and then: Occasionally; at intervals.
- I like to go for a walk every now and then to clear my head.
- Once in a blue moon: Very rarely.
- He only visits his hometown once in a blue moon. (Note: This implies even less frequency than "at times").
Adverb
- now and then or here and there
- he was arrogant and occasionally callous
- open areas are only occasionally interrupted by clumps of trees
- they visit New York on occasion
- now and again she would take her favorite book from the shelf and read to us
- as we drove along, the beautiful scenery now and then attracted his attention