The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language.
The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
有时, 偶尔, 间歇性
Sometimes meanings in Chinese
有时
Example:
Sometimes I like to go for a walk in the evening.
有时我喜欢在晚上散步。
She sometimes forgets her keys.
她有时会忘记带钥匙。
Usage: informalContext: Used to indicate that something does not happen all the time but occurs occasionally.
Note: This is the most common meaning and is frequently used in everyday conversation.
偶尔
Example:
We occasionally meet for coffee on weekends.
我们偶尔在周末喝咖啡。
He sometimes travels for work.
他偶尔出差。
Usage: formal/informalContext: Used in both formal and informal contexts, often interchangeable with '有时'.
Note: This term emphasizes a less frequent occurrence than '有时'.
间歇性
Example:
He experiences sometimes overwhelming anxiety.
他有时会感到强烈的焦虑。
The weather can be sometimes unpredictable.
天气有时会很难预测。
Usage: formalContext: Used in more formal contexts, often related to conditions or phenomena.
Note: This meaning highlights that something occurs at irregular intervals.
Sometimes's synonyms
Occasionally
Occasionally means happening from time to time, not regularly or frequently. It implies less frequency than sometimes.
Example: I occasionally go for a run in the morning.
Note: Occasionally implies a slightly lower frequency than sometimes.
Sometimes expressions, common phrases
Every now and then
This phrase means occasionally or sometimes, but not regularly.
Example: Every now and then, I like to treat myself to a nice dinner.
Note: Similar to 'sometimes,' but with a slightly more specific frequency.
On occasion
This phrase means at times or sometimes, without a fixed pattern.
Example: On occasion, I enjoy going for a hike in the mountains.
Note: Suggests a less frequent occurrence compared to 'sometimes.'
From time to time
This phrase means occasionally or periodically.
Example: From time to time, I like to try new hobbies.
Note: Similar to 'sometimes,' but with a hint of regularity.
Now and again
This phrase means occasionally or every so often.
Example: Now and again, I treat myself to a shopping spree.
Note: Similar to 'sometimes,' but with a sense of infrequency.
At times
This phrase means occasionally or sometimes.
Example: At times, I find it hard to focus on my work.
Note: Essentially synonymous with 'sometimes.'
Once in a while
This phrase means occasionally or infrequently.
Example: I like to go camping in the mountains once in a while.
Note: Implies a less frequent occurrence compared to 'sometimes.'
Off and on
This phrase means intermittently or occasionally.
Example: I've been working on my novel off and on for the past year.
Note: Suggests a sporadic pattern of occurrence, similar to 'sometimes.'
At intervals
This phrase means occasionally or periodically.
Example: They meet at intervals to discuss their progress.
Note: Similar to 'sometimes,' but with a more structured sense of timing.
Intermittently
This phrase means at irregular intervals or occasionally.
Example: The rain fell intermittently throughout the day.
Note: Conveys a sense of irregularity similar to 'sometimes.'
Sometimes everyday (slang) expressions
On and off
This term suggests alternating between periods of activity and inactivity.
Example: I check my email on and off throughout the day.
Note: It implies a less consistent pattern compared to 'sometimes'.
Hit or miss
Refers to something being unpredictable or unreliable.
Example: The bus schedule is hit or miss, so I never know when it'll arrive.
Note: It conveys a sense of uncertainty unlike the occasional nature of 'sometimes'.
Spotty
Indicates something inconsistent or unreliable in quality or frequency.
Example: The Wi-Fi signal in this room is spotty, so my internet connection is unreliable.
Note: It emphasizes the irregular and unreliable nature more than the sporadic occurrence of 'sometimes'.
In fits and starts
Describes irregular bursts of activity followed by periods of inactivity.
Example: His work progresses in fits and starts, making it difficult to predict when he'll finish.
Note: It highlights the sporadic and unsteady nature of activity compared to 'sometimes'.
Now and then
Despite being slightly similar, this phrase is more formal than 'sometimes'.
Example: Now and then, I treat myself to a fancy dinner at a nice restaurant.
Note: It is a more refined or traditional expression compared to the casual nature of 'sometimes'.
Spur-of-the-moment
Refers to doing something suddenly or without much planning.
Example: We decided to go on a spur-of-the-moment road trip.
Note: It implies a sudden, unplanned action rather than the occasional nature of 'sometimes'.
In a blue moon
Means something happens very rarely or infrequently.
Example: I see that friend of mine in a blue moon, as she lives far away.
Note: It emphasizes the rarity of an event more than the irregular occurrence of 'sometimes'.
Sometimes - Examples
Sometimes I like to go for a walk in the park.
有时候我喜欢去公园散步。
I sometimes forget my keys at home.
我有时候会把钥匙忘在家里。
He only visits us sometimes.
他有时候只会来拜访我们。
Sometimes grammar
Sometimes - Adverb (Adverb) / Adverb(Adverb)
Lemma: sometimes
Conjugations
Adverb(Adverb): sometimes
Syllables, Separation and Stress
Sometimes Contains 2 syllables: some • times
Phonetic transcription: ˈsəm-ˌtīmz
sometimes , ˈsəmˌtīmz(The red syllable is stressed)
Sometimes - Importance and usage frequency
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
Sometimes: 500 - 600 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
