Definition

1. Adverb:
   • On some occasions but not always; occasionally: Used to indicate that an action, event, or state occurs or is true at particular times, but not all the time. It expresses intermittent frequency.

Usage

• The adverb "sometimes" is used to modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to indicate that something happens or is true on an irregular or occasional basis. It is typically placed before the main verb, after the verb "to be," or at the beginning or end of a clause for emphasis.
• It describes a frequency that is less than "often" but more than "never."

Examples

• Modifying a verb:
  • I sometimes go for a walk after dinner.
  • He sometimes forgets to turn off the lights.
• With the verb "to be":
  • She is sometimes late for meetings.
  • The weather here is sometimes unpredictable.
• At the beginning or end of a clause:
  • Sometimes, the best solution is the simplest one.
  • We eat out, sometimes.

Advanced Usage

• "Sometimes" in contrastive structures: Often used with "other times," "at other times," or "sometimes...sometimes..." to show variation.
  • Sometimes I feel happy, and other times I feel sad.
  • The machine works perfectly sometimes; at other times, it fails completely.
• For emphasis on irregularity: Can be used to highlight that an occurrence is not constant or dependable.
  • Truth is sometimes stranger than fiction.

Variants and Related Words

• Occasionally (adv.): At infrequent or irregular intervals; now and then. (A close synonym, though "occasionally" may imply slightly less frequency.)
• Now and then / Now and again (adv. phrase): From time to time; occasionally.
• From time to time (adv. phrase): Occasionally; once in a while.
• At times (adv. phrase): On some occasions; sometimes.

Synonyms

• Occasionally
• Now and then
• At times
• From time to time
• Once in a while

Antonyms

• Always
• Never
• Constantly
• Continuously

Related Idioms and Phrases

• (Every) now and then / (Every) now and again: Occasionally.
  • I like to treat myself to a nice meal every now and then.
• Once in a blue moon: Very rarely.
  • He visits his hometown once in a blue moon. (Note: This implies much less frequency than "sometimes.")

Adverb

1. on certain occasions or in certain cases but not always; at other times for six months"
   • sometimes she wished she were back in England
   • sometimes her photography is breathtaking
   • sometimes they come for a month