once in a while

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once in a while

We go out for ice cream once in a while.

Definition

Adverb: An adverb that describes an action happening not very often, but at irregular intervals. It means something occurs sometimes, but not regularly or frequently.

Usage

This phrase is used to indicate that an event or action happens infrequently or periodically, with unpredictable or unspecified gaps in between occurrences. It emphasizes the sporadic nature of the event.

Examples
  • We don't see each other often, but we meet for coffee once in a while.
  • Once in a while, I like to treat myself to a fancy dinner.
  • It's important to check the oil level in your car once in a while.
  • He's usually very quiet, but once in a while he tells a hilarious story.
Advanced Usage
  • The phrase can often be placed at the beginning or the end of a sentence without changing the meaning.
  • It is commonly used in informal and formal contexts to soften statements about infrequent habits or rare events.
Variants and Related Words
  • Now and then: Used interchangeably with "once in a while."
    • I enjoy going for a long walk now and then.
  • From time to time: A slightly more formal synonym.
    • The committee meets from time to time to review policy.
  • On occasion: Another formal synonym indicating something happens sometimes.
    • She will, on occasion, work late to finish a project.
  • Every so often: Very similar in meaning and usage.
    • Every so often, we need to reassess our goals.
Synonyms
  • Occasionally
  • Sometimes
  • Periodically
  • Sporadically
  • Infrequently
Antonyms
  • Often
  • Frequently
  • Regularly
  • Constantly
  • Always
Related Idioms
  • Once in a blue moon: This idiom suggests an event happens even more rarely than "once in a while."
    • He only calls his parents once in a blue moon.
once in a while

We go out for ice cream once in a while.

Adverb
  1. 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

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