every now and then

Meaning

This phrase means occasionally or from time to time. It describes an action that does not happen regularly, but still occurs repeatedly. It has a relaxed, casual tone and is very common in everyday spoken English.

Examples

• I still eat fast food every now and then, even though I'm trying to be healthy.

  I still eat fast food every now and then, even though I'm trying to be healthy.

• Every now and then, we like to go camping in the mountains to escape the city.

  Every now and then, we like to go camping in the mountains to escape the city.

• He texts me every now and then to see how I'm doing.

  He texts me every now and then to see how I'm doing.

• Every now and then, the old car makes a strange clicking sound.

  Every now and then, the old car makes a strange clicking sound.

• We should meet up for coffee every now and then to catch up.

  We should meet up for coffee every now and then to catch up.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I go to the gym every now and when.

  ✓ I go to the gym every now and then.

  The correct fixed phrase is 'every now and then' (not 'when').

• ✗ Every now and then I am visiting my grandparents.

  ✓ Every now and then I visit my grandparents.

  Since this refers to an occasional habit, the simple present tense is more natural than the present continuous.

Related Expressions

Practice

• I don't watch much TV, but ___ I'll catch a movie.

  💡 Use a phrase meaning occasionally.

  Show answer

  every now and then

• We like to treat ourselves to a fancy dinner ___.

  💡 This phrase means from time to time.

  Show answer

  every now and then