now and again
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adverb: At irregular intervals; from time to time; not continuously or constantly.
Usage
This adverb describes an action or event that happens sometimes, but not regularly or predictably. It is used to indicate occasional or intermittent occurrence. It is typically placed at the beginning or end of a clause.
Examples
- 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 again attracted his attention.
- He visits his old friends now and again.
- Now and again, I like to go for a long walk to clear my head.
Advanced Usage
- The phrase can be used to soften a statement of frequency, implying something happens infrequently but is not rare.
- I still think of her now and again.
- It can describe intermittent actions within a continuous process.
- The old radio crackled now and again during the broadcast.
Variants and Related Words
- Now and then: A direct synonym with identical meaning and usage.
- We meet for coffee now and then.
- Occasionally: A more formal single-word synonym.
- From time to time: A similar adverbial phrase.
- Once in a while: A phrase indicating slightly less frequent occurrence.
Synonyms
- Occasionally
- Sometimes
- Periodically
- Intermittently
- Sporadically
Antonyms
- Constantly
- Continuously
- Regularly
- Always
- Never
Related Idioms
- Every now and then: Functionally identical to "now and again."
- He checks his phone every now and then.
- Here and there: Can be used similarly to indicate sporadic occurrence or location.
- You can see wildflowers here and there in the field.
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