sometimes
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /sˈʌmtaɪmz/
US
- /ˈsəmˌtaɪmz/
- /səmˈtaɪmz/
Description
- occasionally
- at times
- now and then
"Sometimes" means something happens on some occasions, but not regularly. Think of a shy child who sometimes waves hello; they do not wave every time you see them, just when they feel brave enough. It also fits things that are hard to predict, like the weather: "It sometimes rains in California" means rain is not guaranteed, but it does happen. The word can also make a statement less absolute. Instead of saying "All cats are aloof," you might say, "Cats are sometimes aloof."
"Sometimes" is an adverb that shows that something happens on certain occasions, but not all the time. It lives in the space between "always" and "never," quietly reminding us that life is not perfectly regular.
Think about enjoying your favorite treat. You might sometimes indulge in chocolate cake, meaning you don't have it every day, but when the mood strikes, you allow yourself that pleasure. Or consider a friend who is usually cheerful but sometimes feels down — their sadness isn't constant, just an occasional occurrence.
"Sometimes" can also help talk about a possible outcome or a special case: "Sometimes, if you're lucky, you find exactly what you're looking for." This suggests the outcome is not guaranteed, but it can happen in the right situation.
It's a versatile word that adds nuance and realism to how we describe life, acknowledging that things are not always consistent and that change is a normal part of the world. It lets us express possibility without making a fixed claim. "Sometimes," just knowing something could happen is enough.
Examples
- 1
Daily routine
I sometimes walk to work when the weather is nice.
- 2
Forgetfulness
She sometimes forgets where she put her keys.
- 3
Social plans
We go out for dinner sometimes, but not very often.
- 4
Software issue
Sometimes the app crashes after an update.
- 5
Meetings
He can be quiet in meetings, but sometimes he asks the best questions.
- 6
Personal wish
Sometimes I wish I could turn my phone off for a whole day.
- 7
Cause and effect
Small changes can sometimes make a big difference.
- 8
Feedback needs
People say they want feedback, but sometimes they really just want support.
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- sometimesadverb