three times
/θriː taɪmz/
Meaning
This phrase is used to state that an action or event occurs exactly three separate times. Unlike 'once' or 'twice', numbers from three onwards use the word 'times' to show frequency.
Examples
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I have visited London three times in my life.
I have visited London three times in my life.
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Please check the document three times before sending it.
Please check the document three times before sending it.
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He knocked on the door three times, but nobody answered.
He knocked on the door three times, but nobody answered.
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I called you three times yesterday, where were you?
I called you three times yesterday, where were you?
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You need to take this medicine three times a day.
You need to take this medicine three times a day.
Common Mistakes
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✗ I saw that movie thrice.
✓ I saw that movie three times.
While 'thrice' is a real English word, it is extremely old-fashioned and formal. Native speakers almost always say 'three times'.
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✗ I went to Spain three time.
✓ I went to Spain three times.
The noun 'time' must be plural ('times') when referring to more than one occurrence.
Related Expressions
Practice
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She read the email ___ to make sure she understood.
💡 Three separate occurrences.
Show answer
three times
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I've already told you ___ to clean your room!
💡 Not once, not twice, but...
Show answer
three times