THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
Every now and then
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
Occasionally, rather than regularly or very often.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- I visit my old neighbourhood every now and then.
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
Try the question without looking back, then write a sentence of your own. You can retry as often as you like.
0 of 1 checked correctly
Can you recall the expression?
Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.
I visit my old neighbourhood ________.
Show the answer
Every now and then — Occasionally, rather than regularly or very often.
Try your own sentence (optional)
Make it yours
Write one sentence using “Every now and then” about your own life.
Check your sentence
Does your sentence match this meaning?
Occasionally, rather than regularly or very often.
Compare: I visit my old neighbourhood every now and then.
Check the spelling and how the expression fits the sentence. Your example can be different.
Self-review only. Your sentence is not automatically marked, saved or submitted.
This quiz is for practice. To save lesson completion on this device, complete the checks in the app.
GO DEEPER
More ways to understand and use it
Jump to a section
When to use it
Use it when talking about an activity that happens sometimes without a fixed routine. It suits everyday conversation and general writing.
More examples in context
- Every now and then, we have a team lunch outdoors.
- She checks the spare room every now and then to make sure the window is shut.
Usage note
Now and then and every now and again are useful variations. The phrase gives no exact frequency.
A short conversation
A: Do you still play badminton?
B: Every now and then, when my friends can meet.
A: Let me know next time you organise a game.
One more practice question
Which habit happens every now and then?
A. An occasional activity with no regular schedule.
B. An activity done every hour without exception.
Check your answer
A. The expression means occasionally and does not specify a fixed interval.
Related lessons
Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.