Now and then Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈnaʊ/ /ˈænd/, /ənd/ /ˈðɛn

NOW-uhnd-THEN

UK

nˈaʊ/ /ˈænd/ /ðˈɛn

NOW-uhnd-THEN

Definition

This expression means 'occasionally' or 'sometimes,' referring to an action that happens from time to time but not regularly.

Usage & Nuances

Commonly used in both spoken and written English to imply something happens occasionally. Less formal than 'occasionally'; similar to 'from time to time.' Typically comes at the beginning or end of a sentence.

• Spanish: de vez en cuando - de vez en cuando
• Portuguese (BR): de vez em quando
• Portuguese (PT): de vez em quando
• Chinese (Simplified): 偶尔 - 时不时
• Chinese (Traditional): 偶爾 - 不時
• Hindi: कभी-कभी
• Arabic: من حين لآخر - أحيانًا
• Bengali: মাঝে মাঝে - কখনও কখনও
• Russian: время от времени - иногда
• Japanese: 時々 - たまに
• Vietnamese: thỉnh thoảng - đôi khi
• Korean: 가끔 - 때때로
• Turkish: arada sırada - bazen
• Urdu: کبھی کبھار - بعض اوقات
• Indonesian: sesekali - kadang-kadang

Example Sentences

I visit my grandparents now and then.

basic

She eats chocolate now and then.

basic

We go to the movies now and then.

basic

Now and then, he likes to take a break from work and travel.

natural

You should call your old friends now and then just to check in.

natural

Mistakes happen now and then, so don't worry too much.

natural